VENDORLATOR is not to be confused with the Vendo Company. The Vendorlator Manufacturing Company (VMC) was located in Fresno, California. They emerged from WWII as a strong competitor to companies such as Mills and Jacobs, with their upright Model 242. While advertising by the company, dated 1948, claimed that the Model 242 was "backed by 13 years of field testing" it is their post-war machines that are collectible today. Large models like the 242 were good sellers for the company, over 4,000 units were in 1946 alone.

The year 1948 saw Vendorlator introduce one of the smallest Coke machines ever. The VMC 27 measured 23" x 27" x 19" deep and weighed less than 100 pounds. It was advertised initially to sit on a counter or hang on the wall. A progression of stands was later made for the machine to sit on and offered as an option (a tube-type was available from Vendorlator for $12.50). Also optional was a coin changer kit for returning a nickel change when a dime was used. The immediate popularity of the 27 prompted Vendorlator to open a third plant in Picqua, Ohio in April, 1949, in addition to the two plants they already had in Fresno. Vending only 27 six ounce bottles arranged in a rotating drum, two bottles in each of fourteen compartments less one, this machine ws best suited for low traffic areas. The fact that the cabinet of this machine was made of aluminum (although steel versions were also made) helps to explain why this model is often found with dents, particularly around the bottle chute where someone tried to coax out a stubborn bottle.

It was right about January, 1950 that Vendorlator began selling the VMC Dual 27. This extremely small upright machine used the same vending mechanism as the countertop Model 27 but had a 27 bottle pre-cool capacity, hence, the designation "Dual 27." It also used a more conventional arrangement for the refrigeration unit with the condenser housed in the bottom of the machine. Its new found popularity led to the discontinuance of the 27 about a year later. Subsequently, the Dual 27 was dropped from Vendorlator's line by 1954 and replaced by the Model 33, with a slightly modified bottle drum allowing for six more bottle capacity. The physical size was he same as the Dual 27 with the only outside distiquishing feature being a one piece coin door, although two piece "split door" versions are also known.

1956 was the year of the white-top color scheme for coolers and Vendorlator was no exception. This was the year that was "out with the old and in with the new." All of the previously mentioned models had been dropped and replaced by, among others, the VMC 340, advertised as "the world's largest and fastest coin-cooler," and the VMC 44, certainly one of the smallest ever. The only real distinquishing feature is the absence of the chrome coin bezel which was part of the Vendo model. In fact, there are serial plates on some of the machines stating that they were being made under license to each other.

It is interesting to note that while the Vendo Company only made machines embossed (for the most part) with the Coca-Cola logo, Vendorlator did not follow such exclusiveness. Their machines are found with the 7 UP as well as Pepsi-Cola logo, among others, giving them broader collector appeal Above Description Courtesy Steve Ebner ~ Fun Tronics.

"!!! CLICK THE COLORED TEXT BELOW TO VIEW EACH PHOTO - THESE PHOTOS ARE CLEAR AND CRISP !!!"

"!!! VENDORLATOR VMC 33 PEPSI COLA AND VMC 33 !!!"

1. NEAT PEPSI COLA VMC33 RESTORED BY OUR COMPANY COOL GRAPHICS WERE RECREATED EXACTLY LIKE THE ORIGINAL DECAL THAT WAS ON THE MACHINE WHEN IT WAS FOUND ! - Click Here !"

2. COOL GRAPHICS WERE RESTORED ON THIS PEPSI COLA VMC33 ! - Click Here !"

" VENDORLATOR COCA COLA COKE 33 SODA MACHINE RESTORATION "

3. VMC DOOR WAS SEPARATED AND STAINLESS WAS REMOVED SO IT COULD BE CHROMED! - Click Here !"

4. Shows the front of the Coca Cola VMC 33 with the Chrome Doors : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

5. Hindges on Side of Door are removed - and chromed : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

6. The "Coca Cola Script is Screen printed on the front of the machine just like from the factory 50 years ago! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

7. "IN BOTTLES" Text was screen printed at the bottom just like VMC did it 50 years ago - NO DECALS - on this machine of any kind! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

8. " Have A Coke " is screen printed on the side of the machine : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

9. Shows Chrome Hindge Set on side of Machine : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

10. We Remove the Hindge Set from the Machine - these Hindges were installed on this machine 50 years ago by VMC. VMC never painted under their door hindges and this type of hindge will sometimes detach itself from the machine when the door is opened. We remove all hindges, have them chromed and bolt them back on the machine. It is bad news when your Hindge falls off after the machine has been painted : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

11. The Stainless Strips that separate the top of the door from the bottom of the door were removed, sent off and chromed - so they would be perfect! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

12. Both Doors were actually chromed twice to get them as perfect as possible. A new lock system was purchased from Fun Tronics and installed on the machine. : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

13. The Stainless Trim around the bottle shute was removed and CHROMED - NOT POLISHED ! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

14. Installed on the left bottom of the machine, you will see a rubber bumper - this prevents anyone from opening the door and scratching the chrome trim or the paint ! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

15. After the Front doors were chromed, A new metal 10 cent price insert was fabricated and applied to the left door. : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

Every lower vent on the machine is Perfect! The Finish on the machine reflects everything around it and everyting is screen printed - NO DECALS ! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

16. There are usually small cracks inside the bottle shute of these vintage VMC 33 machines, A new bottle shute was cast for the machine by Fun Tronics and installed : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

17. Chrome Coin Box and Chrome Lock inside Coin Box! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

18. Even the Four Hindges on the back side of the two front Doors were Chromed! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

19. Notice how perfect the paint is behind the two main doors on this machine. We don't stop on the outside of the machine and call it restored. The directions to the right expain how to reset the Vend Mechanism. VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

20. Notice the Bumper behind the left Door. We removed this Bumper plate from the Machine and had it chromed! You may see this piece painted on other restored VMC 33's. We chromed it, The Door lock mechanism rubs against it at the bottom and we wanted to put a chrome finish on it that would last. VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

21. Yes - We chromed the Cap Catcher! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

22. Chrome Crank Handle will push down or pull back to allow the left door to swing open : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

23. The "IN BOTTLES" Text is Screen Printed on the machine! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

24. A New Glass Lens is installed in the left door inside the "SOLD OUT" window : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

25. The Coin Mechanism is Chromed and the National Coin Decals are installed back in their correct locations : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

26. Photo shows the Chrome "SOLD OUT" Flag mechanism. VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

27. You can also see that we chromed the Rear Drive Gear behind the Coin Mechanism and this photo shows a great view of the metal door bumper that has been chromed : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

28. Both Left and Right Coin Door Hindges are removed and Chromed! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

Why do we Chrome what we Chrome? These machines came from the factory 50 years ago with galvanized inside parts. Galvanized parts tend to pick up dirt and turn black over time. When a machine is restored you can

1). Leave the parts in their natural state.

2). Paint the parts with a Hammertone spray paint. This will wear off over time and look worse than the unpainted galvanized parts.

3). Plate or Powdercoat the parts in a dull hammertone finish. Powdercoating is better than painting because it is harder to scratch.

4). Powdercoat the parts in a chrome finish instead of a hammertone. We like this better, because the chrome powdercoat seems to be even slicker than the hammertone powdercoat finish and easier to clean.

5). Chrome the parts. We love this and prefer it! Chrome is harder to scratch and looks a world better than powdercoat. Chrome will outlast plated parts behind the coin door. We figure chrome was invented in the 50's and powdercoat was not. Given the choice of powdercoating a galvanized part or chroming a galvanized part, We like Chrome!

Victor, Westinghouse, Cavalier, Etc all had different versions of their vintage soda machines. You find chest coolers with chrome handles and black plastic handles. You find Victor bars with stainless doors and black doors. You find chest coolers with stainless steel kick plates and some chest coolers that were shipped without them. The reason these machines were produced with extra chrome and extra stainless on them was to make them more desirable. Get the customers attention and get more sales!

We understand that it cost more to chrome these Parts. Our company maintains a low overhead and we can include this in the restoration of our vintage soda machines and still manage to keep our Best Restoration Price below our competitor's price.

Does Chrome increase the value of a Soda Machine? Chrome is the most expensive finish you can put on a metal part, unless you plan to have it gold or silver plated. Chrome is durable and out shines all the rest. Go try to buy a Chevrolet or Ford Truck and tell the sales person to toss in the Chrome package for the front of your new Vehicle for free. You can't buy a Lincoln Truck for the same price as a Ford F150. Nine out of every 10 callers that contact our company to have their vintage machine restored, always choose the chrome package. The Automobile industry knows that more chrome increases sales and so do we! Our customers also prefer our real reproduction stainless molding over the plastic chrome 5/8 inch chome stick on tape. That is why we use the real stainless on our machines.

29. All Parts are returned to the machine with stainless Hardware : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

30. Great Close up of the Paint and how it reflects everything around it : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

31. Hand sewn Cover is provided for Free with the machine and a Pocket is sewn on the back for a new Owners manual as well as a place to tuck the electrical cord : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

32. On the front of the Cover is a Red and White Sewn Patch with the name of the Machine! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

33. Moving to the Inside of the Machine - the Drum is 1st powdercoated in Chrome and then Cleared over : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

34. All new Breaker Strips are fabricated and installed on the machine : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

35. All new Rubber on the machine and all the bearings and guide wheels are removed , powdercoated in Chrome, greased and returned to the machine : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

36. Photo of entire machine with door open : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

37. Notice how you also have a reflection in the "Coke" - this is because it is Screen printed - No Decals - No hand lettering : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

38. Hindges are drilled off the machine, chromed and returned to the machine with stainless hardware ! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

39. This machine was restored with a 1/6 horse power condensor. We let the machine run on 110 degree pavement and the lowest the inside temperature would get was about 42 degrees under those extreme conditions. We converted the lower condensor deck to a 1/4 horse power. The machine then dropped to 22 degrees in a matter of minuites and shut off , keeping the inside soda at 29.5 degrees in 110 degree heat. This was not necessary because this machine will live out the rest of it's life in a climate controlled room in Florida, however the customer was glad we made the horse power change and knows his machine's refrigeration system can now hang tough with the best of them : He may want to use this machine at an outside party on day in the future. This change in horse power will also help if he loads his machine with hot drinks a few hours before a party and needs the machine to cool them fast! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

40. The upper round evaporator was refabricated out of Class 4 stainless. The original was nothing more than painted metal and was not built to last or shine as long and this new class 4 surround. This evaporator case will be here when the cows come home! Also you dont want a rusty metal surround comming into contact with the inside round evaporator : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

41. Although not shown in this photo : If you have ever owned a VMC 33 you know that you must push in on the door sometimes to get the screw in handle to catch. We extended the Screw in handle on the back side of the door and re-enforced it with a hard steel catch. Now the Door does not need to be pushed in to catch and the handle will tug the door down super tight to the cabinet! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

42. This machine has a Cool VMC tag in the upper left hand corner - It is chrome with gold and silver graphics inside : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

43. The Drain System was reproduced exactly like the 50's style Drain system right down to the BURLAP - It is now Stainless steel and will not rust like it's 50 year old counterpart : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

44. The Last photo you saw was of the 1/4 horse power refrigeration system - this photo shows the 1/6 horse power system before it was changed. Notice there is really no cosmetic difference other than the width of the black condensor : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

45. Great Photo of the Chrome Doors on the front of the machine : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

46. If you have ever seen the inside lower floor of a VMC 33 - you know that it is really rather flat - Most VMC 33's that turn up have a real bad rust problem around the bottom of the machine or have stains where water runs down the sides of the machine. The vintage liners of these machines are poorly designed, allowing water to creep over the outer edge and down the front of the machine. We refabricated the floor of this liner out of stainless and as you can see added a lip all around the lower floor of the liner. This prevents any water from leaking out the edge of the cabinet and this floor will never rust and will wipe clean with a dry cloth - 10 years from now and look as new as the day we installed it : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

47. The Base Plate of the refrigeration system was done in Vendorlator pink - just like from the factory : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

48. This photo again shows the New Stainless Floor of the VMC 33 and is a top view of the 1/6th Horse Power system that was changed before the machine was shipped - VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

49. We even polish the back of our vendors to a mirror shine ! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

50. View from the top of the machine and how it reflects - VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

51. If you will notice over on the top of the chrome bottle shute you will see a second lip curved around on the top of the chrome shute - this was fabricated and added to so that the upper part of the chrome surround would set close against the cabinet and not show a gap. These machines are very short and cute and most everyone will look down on this machine when they stand in front of it. We wanted to make sure we had all our bases covered - VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

52. Here shows the view most people will see when they stand in front of this machine - notice how the chrome shute trim just flows against the machine. If there was a black gap there you would notice it right away! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

53. Notice how the back panel of the door can now reflect it's surroundings in COLOR! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

54. Photo shows the Door open against the protective red bumper - VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

55. Shows front view of the main door open against the protective red bumper - VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

56. Look at the Threaded - Screw main door latch sticking out of the left door. It is a little longer than the original and is made out of hard steel and covered in a little bit of white grease. It will tug the door down LOCK TIGHT! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

57. The Class 4 stainless evaporator really sets the machine off - notice it also has a class 4 stainless support leg as well : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

58. Even if your get down and look at this machine from the underneath - Everything is finished properly! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here !"

59. White Gloves required! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

60. Can you make out the orange drop cord reflecting in the paint - lower right of machine! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

61. These machines came from the factory with dark gun metal gray doors - Sometimes they can be painted back gray. Sometimes we have hammertoned them in the past. This yeilds a textured gray look. We prefered the Chrome finish - It will by far outlast any Gray Paint and it looks awesome! VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

CHECK OUT THESE PHOTOS BELOW IN THIS SECTION.

UNRESTORED VMC BEFORE BEING RESTORED BY OUR COMPANY :

62. unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

63. THIS PHOTO IS A MUST SEE! - LOOK AT THE RUST FOUND UNDER THIS HINDGE! Unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

64. IT IS CLEAR IN THIS PHOTO THAT THE HINDGES WERE PUT ON THE COKE VENDOR 1ST AND THEN THE CABINET WAS PAINTED! unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

65. Unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

66. unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

67. Unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

68. unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

69. Unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

70. unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here

71. Unrestored VMC 33 photos! : VENDORLATOR 33 / VMC MODEL 27 SODA MACHINE! - Click Here