What Is the Process of a FULL Vintage Drink Machine Restoration?
Part I – Disassembly and Discovery
- Take Before photos
- Complete Machine Disassembly
- Determine what parts are needed, find any unseen issues, find rust inside (common), and prep the machine for sandblasting.
Part II – Blasting and Bodywork
- Abrasion Blasting. Typically called sandblasting, but our blaster uses a safer material than sand.
- This removes old paint, surface rust, and old decals in preparation for bodywork.
- Bodywork: fix dents, holes, rusted holes, prep surface for priming, etc.
Part III – Primer, Painting and Clear Coat
- 2-3 coats of 2k primer, final sanding
- Sealing and automotive paint
- 3 coats of clear coat and then polish
Part IV- Coin Mech and Cooling System
New Cooling System: On a full restorations, we replace the cooling system with an all-new system.
Coin Mechanisms:
MECHANICAL COIN MECH: Most pre-1960 machines have a mechanical mechanism. There are 3 levels, your choice:
- Leave Original – If the coin mech is working, or you want to set it to free vend
- Basic Coin Mechanism Restoration – $100-350. Either to get it working again and/or a cosmetic painting. Completed Example
- “Show Room” Coin Mechanism Restoration: These are sent off to be re-plated to “like-new.” Adds $500 and 6 weeks. includes replacing worn parts, replating. Completed Example. This is not included in our quotes by default.
ELECTRIC COIN MECH – If yours is missing or not working, a replacement runs $225. Included in a full restoration quotes.
FREE VEND – For either electric or mechanical, we can set the machine for free vend. This means you do not need coins to vend from the machine. This option is included in a full restoration quote. Most people opt for this.
Part V- Lettering, Decals
- Re-letter and add decals to the machine
- Polish it
- Test everything thoroughly
- Take After photos.
Next: See Full Restoration Costs
Or see Details and Cost for Partial Restorations