The 7UP VMC 81 soda vending machine is one of the most collectible models among soda machine collectors. It had a more limited production than its Coca-Cola counterpart, the Vendo 81 and is therefore harder to find. It was manufactured from the mid- to late-1950’s.

As the name indicates, this machine vends 81 bottles and pre-cools 17. It has 9 shelves that would allow vending of up to 9 different flavor choices. It can accommodate bottle sizes from 6 ½ to 12 ounces.

This is one of the VMC 81s that we restored at Vintage Vending. The original VMC 81s were produced as solid white machines, but we used the more popular green and white combination when restoring our machine.

Every soda machine we restored at Vintage Vending followed the same process. First the machine was completely disassembled and all painted parts were sandblasted. All other parts were re-chromed, powder-coated, repainted or cleaned. The coin mechanism was re-plated and rebuilt. Automotive bodywork was performed on all of the sandblasted parts. The machine was painted with PPG automotive paint. Then the machine was reassembled with a new refrigeration compressor and all electrical was replaced.

Dimensions: 58” high x 27” wide x 16” deep

Weight: 286 lbs.

Manufactured by:

The Vendolator Manufacturing Company
Fresno, California

This item is not for sale. We show restored items in this blog to encourage discussion, prompt questions and further the hobby.

To view more pictures of the completed restoration visit the RetroPlanet.com Museum.