I have a 1961 SelVend Pepsi machine I bought back in the late 80's from a local auto parts store that was closing up. I used to buy pop out of it when I would go there and get parts for my Dad and couldn't pass up the $10 asking price for it. It still works, even though I don't run it very often, but decided to plug it in the other day, only to discover the cord needed to be replaced. That turned into an event because most of the wiring is pretty brittle now. So I've spent several hours today searching for restoration parts for these old machines and all I have found is a SelVend service manual. I'd like to replace the entire harness and door seal, if possible. Anybody have any ideas?

 

Can you post pictures and model number? Perhaps a member can point you in the right direction with the additional info.

 

There are some good forums and sources dedicated to the old vending machines and gas pumps, you might be able to find some knowledgeable folk there. I've had a few machines over the years and found the forums useful for learning more about them although I never had to source parts. Vendo and Cavalier were the brands I usually wound up with.

 

 

Awesome machine!

Is the wiring standard AWG?

 

It is but it's a prefab harness. I could make one pretty easily but just getting an exact reproduction would save a bunch of time. Or I just unplug and go upstairs 😆

 

I think this is the manual for it. You might call this co. and pick their brains.
Selectivend Models 64, 96 & 132 Service & Parts Manual - Fun-Tronics, LLC

 

Thank you very much. I had found a service manual but nothing with parts. I'll reach out to them today.

 

I have to think you're gonna be on your own to replace what breaks unless you get extremely lucky and somebody's been holding onto a stash of replacement parts for these for 60+ years. I'm not sure what the seal on your door looks like but commercial refrigerators found in a lot of restaurants and convenience stores (think big glass doors) use very common gray rubber like seals in a variety of rectangular shapes for the different door sizes. Your door is rectangular so I'd say there's a good chance you can either find a correct size or maybe one close enough. They're so simple in x-section that you might be able to get one specially made to the exact size you need.

 

I want to replace the wire harness so I can leave it running without having to worry about burning my house down and the door seals just because. I see these things being restored all the time but haven't had any luck finding a Fusick or Year One for Pepsi machines. But they have to be out there. And great tip on the seal. You described them to a tee, so that gives me some options.

 

The harness for one of these can't be too complicated. It consists of 3 main circuits: 1) Compressor in series w/ a Thermostat, 2) bottle release solenoid and wiring to a switch in the coin handling mechanism, and 3) Fluorescent light (+ maybe a switch if the door has one). I'd start by unwrapping what you have while keeping the ends in place. Then replace one run at a time w/ the appropriate AWG stranded wire. Wrap it all back up. Good enough for government work. Don't spend more time looking for a prefab harness than it takes to rebuild yours.

 

You are exactly correct. Mine is missing the coin mechanism, making it an even easier project. Guess I'll just shelf this project until winter when I'm looking for things to do. Now, back to the train layout!

 

Find an experienced master electrician - on the older side with gray hair - no tattoos or piercings would be ideal.
Another idea would be to contact the nearest Pepsi bottling plant. That old guy might still be there.

 

As was mentioned earlier, it's pretty straight-forward; compressor, fan and a light. I can make the harness, just being lazy and wanted to order one if I could find a correct replacement. I soldered/shrink tubed a new cord onto the existing harness and that is when I discovered the wires were very brittle. It works just fine but I wanted some peace of mind and hoping to make it last at least another 64 years.

 

This might be a dumb question but have the bottles changed shape and size since 1961? Seems like they have. Do modern soda bottles fit in the machine?

 

God forbid if only Coca-Cola bottles fit now! Now, if it was only RC bottles that fit that might be ok since it's so much tastier than Coca-Cola or Pepsi.

 

The one that's in there now is new. Beer bottles are a perfect fit, as well!

 

^^^awesome^^^