The VMC 72 is a considered a small machine to have dual bottle chutes. It may be the smallest ever made. Typically the dual chute design appeared only on the larger soda machines. The VMC 72 has a very large Coca-Cola logo that manufacturers believed would attract more customers. It has the same coin door design as on the VMC 3D-33. The VMC 72 was manufactured from the early to mid-1950s. It vends 72 bottles and pre-cools 6. These photos are of a VMC 72 Coca-Cola machine that we restored.
Dimensions: 15”D x 25”W x 58”H
Manufactured by:
The Vendorlator Manufacturing Co.
4000 Railroad Avenue
Fresno, California
Embossed VMC 72
Coin Door on VMC 72
VMC 72 Coin Mechanism
Inside of VMC 72
Vending Rack Compressor
This item is not for sale. We show restored items in this blog to encourage discussion, prompt questions and further the hobby of collecting and restoration. We also enjoy sharing the photos of the many items we have restored over the years.
12 responses so far ↓
1 Ron Ward // Feb 22, 2009 at 2:45 pm
I just purchased one of vmc-72 in great original shape. I was wondering how many of these were made?
2 Al // May 10, 2009 at 9:21 pm
How do you load the coke bottles in this machine? I can’t see to figure it out.
3 vintagevending // May 11, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Al,
As we don’t have this machine anymore or the owner’s manual, we aren’t able to tell you specifics. Typically, the bottles go neck-in so that when they are vended, they will land right side up with the neck on top.
4 Larry // Jun 9, 2009 at 10:38 am
To load the machine you manually turn the piece in the middle between the four columns back and forth until a “V” notch is noticable on the second and third column. You will notice a “V” cut out, well keep turning until the “V’s” line up.
Then you slide the bottles down the back channel alteranting bottles. There is a pattern, but I haven’t laoded up my machine in ten years. I believe the bottles start on the high end of the rocking carrages. Afterwards, rotate that middle piece to the right and back to the left. The bottles are now ready to vend.
5 Carsten // Aug 7, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I have one of these. Refer doesn’t work. No rust. Paint and logos in good condition. How much would this be worth?
6 vintagevending // Aug 10, 2009 at 9:56 am
Carsten,
We aren’t able to give estimates on the value of an item. If you keep an eye on Ebay or Craig’s List, your item is sure to be listed at some point. That may give you a rough idea of it’s value but keep in mind prices vary greatly depending on condition. You can also contact fun-tronicsllc.com (217) 857-1759 for more specific information on machines. If anyone can help with a value of this item please comment.
7 Ashley // Apr 20, 2010 at 2:21 pm
My father has this machine, but it has a drinking fountain attached to the side. I can’t seem to find any others that have this. Does anybody know if there were some that were manufactured this way, or if it was a custom add-on later? Any insight is much appreciated! Thanks!
8 john-michael // May 22, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I have a vmc-72 and would like to get the insides restored, how much am I looking at(ball park)
9 vintagevending // May 25, 2010 at 9:53 am
John-Michael,
Sorry, but we don’t have an estimate on cost. I suggest googling vending machine restoration to find places in your area, and then giving them a call. If anyone else can help, please comment.
10 joe conrado // Oct 20, 2010 at 9:20 pm
I was wondering how to get my hands on a restoration manual for the vcm 72 I have one in very good condition and i would love to know more obout this machine
11 Bill Prater // Sep 6, 2011 at 5:59 pm
i have a vmc 72,,,trying to find out what it might be worth.
12 james // Jan 11, 2012 at 10:12 pm
I wood like information on a Vendorlator model #vmac-149. I have one but do not know anything about it.Please advise.
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