New collecting path???

[boss]

I may be about to embark on a new collecting path. I found this "barn find" on craigslist. The owner is asking $100. It doesn't work, so I'd need to get it refurbed. what do you guys and gals think? Should I take the Dr. Pepper Plunge?

[Werewolf]

That's really neat. $100 sounds like a good deal but it will probably kind of expensive to get it working again. But if you can fix it, what a super cool thing you'll have. Don't see too many Dr Pepper machines.

[alex]

Id go for it, cool bit of kit. Id maybe find out first how much to refurbish it.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I love me some Dr. Pepper, so I'd buy it in a heartbeat for that price. Got the old oval logo from the "I'm a Pepper" heyday too.

Chris

[boss]

I'm really leaning towards getting it. I'm actually not 100% sure it doesn't work, the collector in me is assuming the worst. It's been unplugged in a barn for 15+ years.

[EMCE Hammer]

Buy it Brantley!

[VinMan]

Go for it. Very cool!!!

[Hector]

Those compressors can go bad if not used for a long time. Then there are rust issues.

I don't know what kinda expertise you have on fridge and coin op repair, if you are handy with that, I'd say go for it...but if it doesn't work and needs to be fixed up by a pro, it can be quite an expensive undertaking.

Cosmetics is another thing, I don't know how pristine-looking you want your machine.

Personally, I'd go for a more mint working model, also, I'd rather get a Coca Cola machine, Coke just dominates that market and is an easier resale, but that's just me.

Check this working and well preserved Coke machine in my local Craigslist, basically same design to that Dr Pepper machine, ready to be used for less than $500...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/clt/3952356319.html

My point is not Coca Cola vs Dr Pepper (me choosing Coke is just a personal preference), my point is that you can be patient and get a working one in better shape for a tad more...then getting one for $100 now, then spending an additional $1000+ to fix it up.

But like I said, if you are handy, and can fix it yourself, then it could be a great buy.

[Hector]

Did he provided a picture of the inside mechanism?

[boss]

I've looked at it myself. The inside mechanism is there and intact (whether it works or not is another question).



You bring up a lot of great points. I'm not very handy at these things but I know those who are. That's why I'm on the fence. The Dr. Pepper branding makes a world of difference to me. I think finding a pristine Dr. Pepper machine in my area would be tough. I'll pass on 10 awesome Coke machines to get one decent Dr. P.

[ScottA]

Get it, especially if you know people who can help. $100 just seems like a steal for something like that.

[Mikey]

If you have the scratch to fix it up I think it would make a nice display

[Hector]

The mechanism looks to be in good shape, hope your bud gives you the green light.

If it works, that would be a steal for $100.

[boss]

I just called the seller and she's willing to let me take it to my neighbor's auto repair shop to see if it works first. If so... I'm buying it.

[Hector]

That's great news!