Primarily Petroliana Shop Talk Forums Archives of the best of past topics For Sale Archive, Non-Petro Value on a nice Coke Machine

OK--I don't usually ask for too much help but I have "NO KNOWLEDGE" as to the value of these 2 items. They're both in a sale here locally at the end of the month and I need to know a little before I do anything dumb! I don't know the model of the machine or the size of the Coke button. Hopefully some one of you does!!! Thanks---KEVIN

Vendo 81A unrestored or restored? unrestored $2,000 to $3,000 easy by looking at the picture you posted. Maybe more if restored $4,500 to $5,500 if you sit on it awhile.

Joey

Joey--I'll check with the auctioneer(hes a friend of mine) and see if I can find out a little more!

Does it work? Is it origanal paint? Are the trays there and the change mech.?

Kevin both are nice and if auctioned, would go for a lot.
Both have come down in value(due to overvalued for so long in Coke price guides and the sellers eyes)

The pre '55 all red Vendo 81(could hold 81 bottles, after '55 were red/white) appears to be restored or an unbelievable original. I think 2500+ would be right. The button sign is extremely nice as well-porcelain is worth more than painted(looks painted to me) probably 400+. It looks like a 48" .

Just about daily I see in someones ad selling much less quality versions "these machines restored go for 6-10K", or "the rare Coke button signs in mint shape go for $1200-1500"

At some time ago, on some website or store they might have asked those prices-would like to meet those people that bought them at that price-Las Vegas maybe??

Bring your wallet.....

I just talked to the owner and the machine is original/ unrestored and everything is complete and works great. The button is a 48 inch and is painted.

Nice looking original, and prices thrown out are realistic for a nice original like this 2000-2300, if your looking to buy and turn it , it maybe hard to make money on it at those prices however. I've got several 81s I've been listing at 1800 and they aren't moving, granted they need to be restored, and not display as is clean like this one.
Good luck at the auction.

Well, if pop machines are as time consuming as gas pumps for restoration, I've gotta think a minimum of $1000 for the resto?
I have yet to see this machine in person and maybe that would make a difference but the pictures really make it look good! The only pop machine that I own is an Ideal 55 slider and I would probably sell that if I bought this one.
Will it actually vend anything? Do modern day beer bottles work in it, or was it designed strictly for the little coke bottles?

IT WILL FIT A 7oz to a 12oz bottle,12oz coors light bottles vend nicely from mine!!

I would think the vendo 81 in 9+ working original condition will retail for $3000 to $3500. People are still paying big $$$ for nice clean original Vendo 81's. I think you would be getting a great deal at $2000 to $2500 if it is in 9+ condition. Just my opinion!

Thanks for all the responses guys! I'm going to definitely try to buy it but you never know how an auction will turn out! I've seen pretty average gas pumps go SKY HIGH and then I've gotten terriffic deals at some other auction! Never go to an auction with your hopes up--just go and hope for the best!
Thanks again and I'll check it over real well and use your prices as a guide. At least I'll keep them honest! LOL

I have looked at alot of coke machines lately and found a jacobs in 9+ condition and the lady wants $1200 for it and can not sell it. Hard times to get top dollar for machines

$2,500 TOPS in original condition, I would not restore that machine just replace what needs to be replaced. Like others have said market is VERY soft on Soda Machines.

Joey

Sorry, but the $2000-2500 estimates are way too high in my opinion!

You guys are right that the market is soft. I wouldnt pay more than 1600-1700 for an unrestored machine in that condition. Eventually, he will have to open that machine up and, at least, refurbish it.

A change of insulation and cleaning of the rust plus rustproofing for sure. Otherwise, it will continue to get worse.

I have yet to see a unrestored V-81 go for anywhere near 2K on Ebay in the last year. The latest one sold for $1399 with one bidder.
http://cgi.ebay.com/1950S-Coke-Machine-V...=item23083b7db9

The last Restored machine went for $2650. Restored!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/1950s-Antique-Coke-M...=item3a5c5b5311

Make sure you don't overpay on that machine. Yes it is a nice V81A, but $2500, I think not!!

That is a NICE survivor I would not touch that machine.It is way to nice to restore,it's lasted this long put some wax on it it will last another 50+ years.I agree on the 1800.00-2200.00 range.
Joe