We often get asked, “I have a vintage coke soda machine, how much does it cost for you to restore it? ”
Here you will find APPROXIMATE costs for restorations based on other jobs. These prices include the installation of the parts. Some of these are optional depending on your budget and desired level of restoration. If you send us images of your machine or bring it by, and we can give a quote based on your desires and the condition of your machine.
Types of Restorations:
A. Mechanical Restoration. If you want to get a machine working, but leave the original patina, this is called a mechanical restoration and it runs about $1500-2000
B. Cosmetic Restoration. If you want the machine to look cosmetically new again. You may not intend to use the machine, or machine internals are working and you do not care if they restored – About $1800-3000
C. Some people want a full restoration, which is both of the above. About $2500-4500
List of Estimated Common Restoration Itemized Costs
Break Machine Down – This is taking your machine apart for painting and to determine what parts are needed. Required. This is also where we find any unseen issues. $75-150
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, and some can be too far gone. $700-1200
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.
New Wiring Harness $130 – when you are keeping your old cooling system but need new wiring. Old wires are a hazard, and the coating on old wires usually is cracked. We recommend putting a new cooling system in if you are doing a full restore.
Refurbish the Coin Mechanism: If your coin mech works, or you don’t need it to work, this is optional . There are 2 levels here: Basic refurb is $550 – basic refurbishing a mechanism is getting it working again. Complete Restoration of the mech to like-new adds $250, and includes breaking it down completely, replating it so it shines like new, and putting it back together. Most coin mechanisms can be set to free vend as an option.
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 needs to be replaced. $125-$200 depending on your machine type.
Restoring the internal tub, shelves, and parts. Depending on the condition, we use an industrial silver coating. $200-$275.
Other common restoration items: Rechrome the front bezel, new locks, new glass, new bottle opener, new kick plate. And there is always a miscellaneous part or two that is needed.
If you send us images of your machine or bring it by, and we will give you an exact quote based on your desires and the condition of your machine at no charge.