Ideal "35" Mid 40's to Mid 50's
We started by stripping each and every part off the machine and then stripping the paint. Then each part was individually restored to its original condition. The body panels were then straightened out and given a new paint job with all the custom lettering done by hand. This was a generic machine (no embossments) so it was a good candidate for a custom logo. A new ID name tag HP63A was needed. There was not enough of the original metal left to salvage on the lid, this is quite common, so we had a new one made and then applied our D106 the bottle removal instructions. The brass lid hinges however in good shape and were re-chromed. A new handle (HP18B) was installed. The Ideal lids originally had pressed cardboard like insulation which would soak up the condensation causing them to rust. Our re-assembly began with new insulation. Then the pan (inside) was re installed after being cleaned and polished. New breaker strips P59A and the body was given a new gasket, in this case our R18A were installed at the same time. The side loading door was also given the same treatment with a new insulation and a new gasket our R21A. The original bolt, HP110C was still in the machine however the crank handle, HP22 and our HP20H lock with 2 keys (in case one gets lost) were installed. To finish the door the loading decal, D84 was applied. New beaker strips P59B were then installed on the machine for the loading door. The compressor system on Ideal vending machines is a bit tricky. It actually has to be discharged and the lines were unbolted at the compression nut by the condenser. They use convection cooling so plan on having a qualified refrigeration technician available. The good news is that these are usually good units. The compressor was thoroughly checked over, bead blasted, flushed, repainted and a new thermostat, EP19 was installed. The cooling system was able to stay a true R12. As you can see it has new condenser fan motor. The condenser used our EP1 on this particular machine along with a new fan blade our EP7. Every machine is re-wired. The main harness is our EP16. A new compressor tag The bottle rack was zinc plated and markers were installed for the soda P47A, P47B, P47C, P47D, and of course a new rack tag HP68. The coin mechanism was also disassembled, gold chromated and put back together to factory specifications and even has the spring tension decal D97! The cover had new placards applied HP66 and HP67. The coin box is our HP28L. We also have the bent coin return knob HP81. The cap catcher was still on the machine which is odd, most of the time they are missing – but we have one HP30P along with the backing plate HP30PA, you may need a new bottle opener HP25D. While labor is a key element in any restoration our large supply of reproduction vending machine parts such as the door gasket, decals, breaker strips, locks, compressor parts brought this vintage vending machine back to life!