Scored a free full size Coke machine - NOW WHAT?!

[SCutchins]

A guy was moving out of state and the movers wouldn't move his Coke machine so I got a freebie! He said it works fine, works on both cans and bottles, and it is set for a quarter a drink.

Unfortunately that's all I know.

Can anyone give me a class on Coke machines, please?

There are some cans I can see underneath but none when I look from the top (it looks like these solid metal rollers if that makes sense.) All of the lights saying that the drinks are out are on. I put a quarter in and it comes right back out, but I think that's because it says no cans.

Also, I understand I can set these to either free or 5-cents, anyone know how?

How do you load these things?

Lastly, this is just in my house 3-car garage. I already have a full size fridge out there that I'm going to move to the basement. Does a Coke machine put out a lot of heat? Don't want a giant heater in the summer!

Thanks

Since images don't seem to be working from Dropbox here are some links:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cxkf5jxaielbrmi/2013-10-09 20.34.59.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wm55hu9unmudu5i/2013-10-09 20.35.56.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/myc4suyszle7f6a/2013-10-10 08.10.38.jpg

Looking up you can see some cans:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gfqog9votiqw4fn/2013-10-10 08.10.53.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1is556ze4bjq4vo/2013-10-10 08.13.24.jpg

 

[The Frisco Kid]

Rip out the guts and make it into a gun safe!


___________________

Posted via tappy tap taparoo.

 

[ratdoggy]

You ****

 

[NUTTSGT]

We have a machine at the FD. I know it's been set on free a few times at the holidays for dinners. I believe the switch is somewhere in the changer mechanism. I'll try to find out where it is and post back.

Loading it should be nothing more than simply filling it with cans.

 

[graffix000]

Man, nice score. Looks like a newer machine that is in good shape. Surprised it is not owned by Coke and leased out. I know the machines at my work are.

 

[KEH]

American pickers show bought one for, I think, $700. That was the first time I watched the show and watched it because I knew the guy they bought it from.

KEH

 

[Jagmandave]

If you find out the brand I'll bet they'll send you an owners manual or a link to one.....it's new enough that they should still have service parts too.

Edit: I see it's a Vendo machine, I have an old contact with them - but they're out of business now I think - I'll email him about it.

Nice machine, it will put out just a little more heat than a refrigerator.

Any of the mfrs will sell you a vending machine, but it is odd that it's in coke's livery.

 

[rsanter]

Looks like a vendo machine
You are talking about the vend cups, they are "upside down" to hold the weight of the cans in the stack. The cans you see are held between the vend cups and adjustable vend bar. Only takes the cup to rotate a little for the can to drop

That machine is no older than early 90s by the look of it. That is a good money making machine if it works.
If it was me I would either sell it, rent it out, or find a place that will let you put it there (inside) and sell drinks for a share of the profit

Bob

 

[Gary S]

Rip out the guts and make it into a gun safe!


___________________

Posted via tappy tap taparoo.

I was thinking rip out the guts and park it outside to save valuable garage space. Then you could store your lawn tools in it.

I can't see something like that filling up my garage.

 

[FJ 432]

American pickers show bought one for, I think, $700. That was the first time I watched the show and watched it because I knew the guy they bought it from.

KEH

Was this one they sold to Rick at American Restoration? Smaller unit? If so, your friend had some cool items.

 

[Farmall450]

Nice score!
I'd keep it in the garage personally. Maybe flipflop w/ the fridge? Or build it a pad outside.

 

[JakeKohl]

I see this thing stocked with a variety of beers ... that's awesome.

 

[nolimits76]

Several years ago I bought a 60's era Pepsi machine at an auction for $50. I didn't really need it, but had always wanted one for the garage and the price was right. It's a pain learning about them, especially older units, but there are some forums dedicated to this sort of thing. If you are going to keep it, I suggest you do some searching.

Although I loved mine, when I moved a few years back the cons outweighed the pros for me. My biggest con is it wouldn't get cold enough for me. Plus it was an older unit designed for the bottles of that era. Only select bottles fit and could pull out through the front. So I ended up having to swing the thing open quite a bit.

FYI, when I was doing research I found out I should have bought a Coke unit. Those things turn to gold the older they get and if they are in good condition. If you have the room, and don't mind spending some time learning about it, I would keep the unit. You have nothing to lose. If you don't like it, you can always sell or lease out as someone else suggested. I might prefer a lease option really for a little recurring side money. Add a few more machines and might be profitable enough for the headache. If nothing else, a business that allows you to write down losses. Sometimes that is more valuable.

 

[No Sweat Photos]

Looks like a vendo machine
You are talking about the vend cups, they are "upside down" to hold the weight of the cans in the stack. The cans you see are held between the vend cups and adjustable vend bar. Only takes the cup to rotate a little for the can to drop

That machine is no older than early 90s by the look of it. That is a good money making machine if it works.
If it was me I would either sell it, rent it out, or find a place that will let you put it there (inside) and sell drinks for a share of the profit

Bob

+1 Put it to work !!!

 

[Pointblank]

What do these typically cost to operate (kWh)?

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Air compressor, fridge, air conditioner, pop machine, freezer, dehumidifier, heater fan == list of racket makers that raise hell with my quiet zone.. I like to be able to hear a pin drop and listen for leaks on air brake systems....But then; that is me Those pop machines take up floor space that may be put to better use..

 

[buddyboy]

since the one you have is in working order i wouldn't do this but it's an idea.

rip out the guts and put your aircompresser and hose reel inside it.

might be able to use existing vent/exhaust holes and fans.

wonder how much noise it would cut?

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I have a pepsi machine in my garage I bought from the guy who services them where I work. It's a Dixi-Narco. I gave $300 for it full of drinks and the guy delivered it to my house on a lift-gate truck, unloaded it and helped me get it into the garage. The thing is stupid heavy. It works great and keeps them ice cold. The price on mine is adjusted by small flip switches on the inside. It goes from 5 cents to 2.50. I have it set at 5 cents and keep. I have a magnetic tray stuck to the side of it full of nickels. When they are gone I just empty the change catcher inside the machine back into the tray. I love it and I'm glad I got it. They still make parts for it and one day I'm going to restore it in a Harley-Davidson theme and put it into my basement man-cave...

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

What do these typically cost to operate (kWh)?

Before I got mine I had heard that they will make your bill go up. I have been keeping a spreadsheet of my monthly bills for about 10 years now where I track reoccurring bills. I've had my machine about three years and there was no noticeable increase in my monthly electric bill.

 

[RogueFab]

Wow $700 on pickers? I would put that sucker up for sale and buy tools with the money. mmmm.

But if you are set on keeping it, I say customize it to match your style. MX, Harley, Hunting, etc. Whatever you are into. Just make sure you do it thorough

Oh and put some beer in it too

 

[SCutchins]

I see this thing stocked with a variety of beers ... that's awesome.

Ding ding ding!!

Also lots of the mini CostCo water bottles for the kids, hopefully it will vend those.

 

[justanengineer]

+1 on using to make money. Personally, Ive got enough stuff in the house/garage and dont need more, plus my kitchen fridge is <50 ft away any time I need a cold one.

 

[Chitown_hillbilly]

Rip out the guts and make it into a gun safe!


___________________

Posted via tappy tap taparoo.

I was thinking rip out the guts and park it outside to save valuable garage space. Then you could store your lawn tools in it.

I can't see something like that filling up my garage.

Wow $700 on pickers? I would put that sucker up for sale and buy tools with the money. mmmm.

But if you are set on keeping it, I say customize it to match your style. MX, Harley, Hunting, etc. Whatever you are into. Just make sure you do it thorough

Oh and put some beer in it too

Who the h3ll would tear out the guts on something like this??? $700 is high but it's easily worth $350. I understand not wanting it in your space but why give money away?

 

[CNGsaves]

Keep and maintain that Coke machine. It's a KEEPER !!

Besides, need to Pay It Forward and do something good for your benefit you've received from the neighbor.

When neighbor drops back into town, need to offer up free beverages from the machine. Need to offer up 10 cent pops to kids in neighborhood, etc. No better memory in my teenage years than driving wheat truck to little grainery where I got free bottle of pop every trip ; this was in Ford F250 pickup hauling 60 to 70 bushels at a time, so I got a LOT of free pop during wheat harvest !!

Enjoy . . . and yes, that's worthy of . . . . . . YOU **** !!!

 

[ATC]

Next time you are out and see a Coke technician (they drive Sprinter vans around here), just stop and ask them a few questions. See if they will come out after their shift for some beer money and just take a look at it. They're just people too...

Or, call the 1-800 service number listed on it (if yours doesn't have it, find one at a store that does). Can't hurt to ask what the going rate is to have them come out to check it out...if they will. They might not if it's not leased through them...

I've worked at Coke for 8 years now...but never with the vending department.

 

[jcouch1]

on that vintage coke machine, all the programing is done through the display and selection buttons. If you open the main door, and then the door to access the back side of buttons, there should be a sticker that lays out the different menus. Might have to google a bit to find a password, i can't really remember. As far as the sold out lights, they work off of little switches on top of the cans that you can't get out. the machine will keep a row or two of drinks in it but won't sell them when the switch lifts. once you put a few cans in the switch will be satisfied and the machine will dispense.

Through the setup menu you can change different prices at different times, light on/off time, machine vending hours (won't sell before --- time). There are other options, but I can't remember. A quick google should get you hooked up.

 

[CNGsaves]

Agree ^ ^ ^ . I was editing post to add my story of getting free pop at small grainery . . . . that WAS the big draw for selling them our wheat. We would NEVER sell our wheat to the other "corporate" grainery, when we could keep the small CO-OP grainery going.

For Arizona, there would be no better draw for customers than low cost pop!!

Heck the greedy corporate types for Coke/Pepsi have developed "dynamic pricing" to charge MORE when the temp is higher at roadside pop machines. That's **** in my book as they are making plenty of money already.

 

[Jagmandave]

OK, I can help. My brother was the director of engineering for Vendo when that machine was built, in fact he designed most of it and I'll pm an email address for you to contact him, anything you need to know about it he'll know.

He says it's sort of a rare beast....but a really good machine.

 

[NHBandit]

Wow $700 on pickers? I would put that sucker up for sale and buy tools with the money. mmmm.

But if you are set on keeping it, I say customize it to match your style. MX, Harley, Hunting, etc. Whatever you are into. Just make sure you do it thorough

Oh and put some beer in it too

Like anything else "collectible" it has to be old to be valuable. The pickers guys wouldn't pay anything for one like the OP was given. It's simply not old enough. Some of the 5 cent machines from the 40s & 50s can bring several thousand bucks. Modern machines that still work like that one, a couple hundred or so. If they don't work they're worth $300 a ton at the scrap yard... Here's one of my future projects. Original 10 cent Dr Pepper machine. Made by Selectivend. Extremely rare. For every 500 Coke machines you find you might see ONE of these. Also an "after" picture of a restored one.

 

[scaron]

nice! we had one of those at the co-op house where i lived throughout most of my years as a full-time student at university. we used to fill a couple of the slots with cans of booze... it was always a big moneymaker both with people who lived at the house as well as visitors. HUGE moneymaker at house parties. we always rolled the profits back into the keg fund, heh heh. i don't think it'll cost you much more to run than a full size refrigerator. i don't remember much of the details but i think ours programmed with DIP switches on the inside of it similar to the pic that someone else posted. almost as fun as your own pay phone!

 

[James E]

1. Be sure that the machine is not leased or at your friend's place on a contract. If so, Coke still owns that machine and they deserve to get it back.

2. Through the nineties, the price was adjusted via dip switches on the coin mechanism. The newer machines are all electronic. They are very simple and I'm sure if you fiddle with it long enough, you will see how it works. AFAIK, they ALL have a way to free-vend, if desired.

3. Newer machines often have a large graphics sheet behind the front plexiglass. It is removable and you could custom make a graphic for your own machine.

4. The machines will show each bin as empty with cans still in them. They tell you it's so that the first few cans that come out of a recently filled machine will be cold--but really it's because the rotating mechanism works that way and the empty bin switch is above the rotating arm.

5. You can make a ton of money with a Coke machine if it's in the right place. Coke used to lease you the machine for free as long as you purchased the product from them. A roommate I had in college kept a few machines at local pools using that deal and made a killing. The pools got a few bucks a month for floor space, the machines were free and he sold a ton of product during the Summer.

I worked for a couple years on a full-service route for Coke here in Raleigh. Most of what I did was fill vending machines. I could load a case of product into a machine in about six seconds.

It was a long time ago, though. The details on the insides of the machines are a little hazy.

Interesting story: Every year the NC State Fair gives the contract for vending machines to either Coke or Pepsi. Coke had it for several years running. My company would deliver a hundred or so machines to the fairgrounds right before the fair and then pick them up after the week was up. Every year, there would be fewer machines picked up than were delivered because the carnies would take some with them when they left. Whole Coke machines. It boggles the mind.

 

[cburnscrx]

Like anything else "collectible" it has to be old to be valuable. Some of the 5 cent machines from the 40s & 50s can bring several thousand bucks.

Yep, I've got one of those old machines...found out yesterday it still works!

 

[jd_1138]

Every year, there would be fewer machines picked up than were delivered because the carnies would take some with them when they left. Whole Coke machines. It boggles the mind.

Lock up your daughters too. Carnie folk!

The OP gets a You ****. There used to be an old cola machine in a shop my dad worked at in the late 70's. That soda sure tasted better back then -- combination of the glass bottles and real pure cane sugar (instead of sugar from boiled corn). I think it was stocked with RC Cola, orange soda, root beer, and a Sprite or 7-Up type product.

 

[jcouch1]

edit... my post earlier might/might not work for this machine, it's a little older than the newer ones i've messed with, and way newer than the older ones.

I've worked on a few from i guess 50-70's and they are dip switch controlled like others have said. on the older ones you can put a hidden momentary push switch to activate dispense solenoid. push hidden switch, press coke button, free coke

 

[zkling]

Rip out the guts and make it into a gun safe!

Set it up to deposit hand guns and ammo per button selection.

 

[ATC]

That soda sure tasted better back then -- combination of the glass bottles and real pure cane sugar (instead of sugar from boiled corn).

We still make and sell it that way

 

[jd_1138]

We still make and sell it that way

You mean the Throwback Pepsi (made with pure cane sugar)? Yeah, I buy that when it's available. I am a Coke guy, but a Pepsi Throwback tastes better than corn syrup Coke. Mexican Coke has pure cane sugar.

 

[justanengineer]

So ..how much do you think a single machine would make?
You guys must have a number in mind or you wouldn't have said it.

What split would you give the place it's at?
How do you fulfill the contract when your sole machine is down?
Insurance?

I can't make the numbers work. I'm often wrong on math things. I'm counting 500 sodas as a break even on a 70 can machine.

In the right location they would make a lot. My favorite auctioneer (good friend) bought a used Pepsi machine to supplement the refreshment stand at the auction house. It makes him ~$20/wk having only a hundred or so folks there twice/week....maybe 8 hours total/wk. Given a FREE machine there is no real "break-even" point, its pure profit until the machine breaks. If I were to choose, Id look for a busy doctor's/dentist's office or other small location with a steady stream of people coming/going. Id then just make the property owner/business an offer of flat $$$/month, I suspect small businesses could do a "gentleman's agreement" that would work for both parties.

 

[ATC]

You mean the Throwback Pepsi (made with pure cane sugar)? Yeah, I buy that when it's available. I am a Coke guy, but a Pepsi Throwback tastes better than corn syrup Coke. Mexican Coke has pure cane sugar.

http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/throwback.jpg

Nope. I mean the mexican Coca-Cola in 12oz glass bottles made with real sugar. Sam's Club, WalMart, Kroger has them that I know of. Just about any 'ethnic' food store or convenience store will have them too.

 

[KEH]

Re FJ432's question, I don't know who it may have been sold to later.

KEH