“I have a vintage coke soda machine, how much does it cost for you to restore it? ”
Here you will find our APPROXIMATE costs for restorations based on other jobs. No two jobs are the same, but this will give you an idea. Some parts or services are optional depending on your budget and desired level of restoration. At Soda City, we let you make the decisions on what you want to be done.
If you send us images of your machine or bring it by, and we can give an estimate based on your desires and the condition of your machine. We give a good faith estimate based on what we can see. If we find additional broken parts, we will let you know.
Types of Restorations and Estimated Cost:
A. Mechanical Only Restoration. If you want to get a machine working or cooling again, but desire to leave the original patina, this is mechanical restoration and it runs about $1000-2000, most of which is a new cooling system. We do not fix old compressors, sorry.
B. Exterior Only Restoration. If you want the machine to look renewed. You may not intend to use the machine, or machine internals are working and you do not want to restore them cosmetically – About $1000-2800.
C. Full Restoration A restoration of all the mechanics, the outside and inside. About $2200-3900 depending on many replacement parts you may need.
D. Custom Restoration. None of the above fit your needs, we can customize your restoration according to what you want to be done.
Restoration Costs Broken Down
Break Machine Down – This is taking your machine apart for painting and to determine what parts are needed. This is also where we find any unseen issues. $100
Bodywork, rust correction, new paint job, and clear coat. Includes paint, primer, rust inhibitor, clear coat, and labor. Some real bad condition machines may require more work. Some machines can be too far gone, so please send us images. $600 -1300
New Compressor / Thermostat/ Cooling system: This is the biggest expense. If your machine is cooling then this is optional. Replacement cooling system: $975-$1100 installed on most machines. We recommend this, even if your machine is cooling the compressor system is likely over 50 years old, and moving the machine can cause it to fail.
Restore the Coin Mechanisms:
MECHANICAL MECH: If your coin mech works, this is optional. There are 2 levels: Basic refurb is $550 – basic refurbishing a mechanism is getting it working again. Or a complete Restoration which is a basic restoration and a also replating of the mech to “like-new”. This adds $250, and includes breaking it down completely, replating it so it shines like new, and putting it back together.
ELECTRIC COIN MECH – If you have an electric coin mech, a replacement runs about $275.
New Insulation: The old insulation is usually matted or decayed and is not usable again once removed for painting. $75
New Decals and letters: $150-250.
New Breaker Strips and Gasket molding. These almost always need to be replaced. $125-$200 depending on your model.
Restoring the internal tub, shelves, and parts. Depending on the condition, we use an industrial silver coating. $200
Other common restoration items: Rechrome the front bezel, new locks, new glass, new bottle opener, new kick plate, new wiring harness, handles and bottle openers etc. And there is always a part or two that is needed.
If you send us images of your machine or bring it by, and we will give you a good faith quote based on your desires and the condition of your machine at no charge.
Not local? You can ship your machine to us, we suggest using USHIP.com. Typically costs $300-400 each way.