Antique Coke Machines

by Digby_Adams

The bright red Coca Cola color and the familiar Coca Cola logo in crisp white lettering bring many of us back to a nostalgic time in American culture.

Antique coca cola machines have become so popular these days - from business owners who want one to give an authentic vibe to their diners and bistros to homeowners who want to spice up their home bars and family rooms. Baby boomers love the way it brings them back to their teen years. Coca cola machines were simply everywhere. Whenever a thirst hit, it was easy to quench it with this All-American beverage. You can choose to buy a completely restored coca cola soda machine that will dispense sodas or you can opt to buy one in its original condition. It might not work, but you can consider it a vintage work of art. I have to admit that looking at a non-restored coca cola soda machine does bring me back to a different time in this country, and I understand why people love to add these to their home decor.

What to Look For When You're Buying Restored Antique Coke Machines

The first thing you have to decide is whether you want a coca cola soda machine that is in original condition or whether you want it restored. At first you might think that you only want one in its original condition. But unless it's been carefully kept, it will really be showing its age after 50 or 60 years of benign neglect.

Then if you're serious about your coca cola collectibles you'll want to know what percentage of the coke machine is restored. If it is restored, were vintage and antique Coca Cola parts found to replace the damaged. This makes for the highest resale value, if you're buying for an investment.

But most importantly does it work and how does it work. Some restored antique coke machines only hold antique coke bottles. Not an optimum choice if you want it to be used as a drink dispenser. So it might be an appropriate modification to have a vintage coca cola soda machine that can dispense modern day drinks.

Restored 1950s Coca Cola Machines

Specific parts of an Antique Coke Machine to consider
  • Coin Mechanism The coin mechanism is very important if you intend on using it in a commercial environment. Does it work is the first question you should ask. If it doesn't then you should know what pieces are missing.
  • Bottle Rack This is the part of the coke machine that will hold your drinks. Is it there? Is it original or restored. Does it hold only vintage coca cola bottles or can it hold today's beverages.
  • Bottle Shute Can you get your drinks from the rack to the pick up compartment.

VMC Coca Cola Machines

I grew up and live in rural America along the coast of Maine. Time moves more slowly here and I think people are much slower to throw things out. So I often saw and still see these old coke machines on the porches of rural general stores. No they no longer work, but they still sit there. It brings me back to my own childhood where you could still hear the compressors working and get a soda for less than a dollar from a vending machine.

There aren't enough of us Maniacs where I live to warrant the big chain convenience stores from opening up. So our small businesses are safe. But they have started to replace their older vintage coca cola soda machines. But usually the costs of hauling the old ones away mean that they stay nearby. Sometimes you can peak in a storage garage (or even just around the corner) and see these old beauties.

I have to admit it, in the the summer I have so many memories of sitting on the front porch of our General store in my beach clothes and flip flops listening to the beach boys and sipping a coke.

Antique Decor

Extraordinary selection of Duncan Phyfe antique couches and sofas.
Show off your collectibles in style when you add an antique mahogany curio cabinet to your home decor.
Antique barber chairs and used barber stations bring us back to a friendlier time when men spent time talking and laughing while they waited for a haircut and shave.
Shop this great selection of antique corner cabinets in built from beautiful mahogany wood in many different styles. You'll love the prices!
Updated: 11/23/2012, Digby_Adams
 
Thank you! Would you like to post a comment now?
2

Comments

Only logged-in users are allowed to comment. Login
Sheri_Oz on 06/01/2012

Antique coke machine - Beach Boys - good memories.

Digby_Adams on 05/31/2012

I don't know what station the General Store played. Everything seemed to be Beach Boys in the summer up hear. Lots of Fifties music too. And still is. Don't know why. Matt and I went to the OshKosh Fly-in several years ago in Wisconsin and the Beach Boys were playing there.

sheilamarie on 05/31/2012

I'm in my 50's and it's not done. So, Digby, if you're not in your fifties, why were you listening to the Beach Boys? Was it an oldies station?

Digby_Adams on 05/31/2012

Thanks Brenda, I know how you feel. There are so many items that I want to add to our home. Maybe by the time we're in our fifties, it'll be done! But it's lots of fun to dream.

BrendaReeves on 05/31/2012

It would be so much fun to own one of these. I'm going to buy a lottery ticket.

You might also like

Collectible Coca Cola Signs - Old Signs Give Your Home Decor a...

Metal tin signs have a fantastic vintage vibe. They come in lots of colors an...

Antique Duncan Phyfe Couch

Extraordinary selection of Duncan Phyfe antique couches and sofas.


Disclosure: This page generates income for authors based on affiliate relationships with our partners, including Amazon, Google and others.
Loading ...
Error!