Partners Harry S. Childers and Howard M. Tripp founded the Vendorlator Manufacturing Company, or VMC in 1937 in Fresno, California. Vendorlator was formed to make soda vending machines, which they produced for Pepsi-Cola, including 7Up, Dr. Pepper, Royal Crown, in addition to the Coca-Cola Company. Throughout the 1940’s and 50’s Vendorlator produced what have become classic, and very collectible soda machines. Two of the most collectible models are the VMC 27 and the VMC 33.
The VMC 27 was made for Coca-Cola from 1948 to 1951. This tabletop vending machine had a unique mailbox-type shape that attracted customers, so these were very popular among storeowners. There was an optional stand made by Kay Products for this machine that had additional storage space below. The VMC 27 was capable of vending 27 cold soft drinks, and pre-cooled 10. This machine was a friendlier size for use in Mom and Pop establishments where space was at a premium. These places wouldn’t have had any use for the gargantuan Vendorlator Master and Jumbo models that were made during the war for use in factories. (The Master could vend 84 bottles and pre-cool 80 and the Jumbo could vend 124 bottles and cool 104!) Unfortunately for the 27, the Coca-Cola Company wanted something that could vend more drinks than these were able. In the early 1950’s Vendorlator made the upright Dual 27 for Coca-Cola that was an improvement with the capacity to vend 27 and pre-cool 27 more. As the competition between the soft drink manufacturers grew, Coke felt the 27 still wasn’t big enough. The answer was the VMC 33 that could vend 33 bottles and cool 27. These replaced the model 27 product line and were manufactured from the early to mid-1950’s. And the vendors got larger still, with very popular models like the VMC 81 that was made for dispensing Royal Crown, Pepsi-Cola, 7Up and Dr. Pepper. These classic machines were produced from the mid- to late-1950’s and are very collectible today.
In 1956, Vendorlator merged with its former rival, the Vendo Company of Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to the merger, Vendo worked almost exclusively with the Coca-Cola Company, so the combination of the two companies made them the primary supplier of vendors to the soft drink market. Within two years, the companies were completely consolidated and operating out of the Fresno location. In 1988 Vendo became a subsidiary of the Sanden Corporation of Japan. Vendo moved its headquarters to Dallas, Texas in 2005 and the name changed to SandenVendo America Inc. They still operate today as a manufacturer of vending machines, in addition to commercial freezers, and automotive air-conditioning systems.
The Vendorlator Manufacturing Company
4000 Railroad Avenue
Fresno, California
50 responses so far ↓
1 Terry Henderson // May 16, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I am very interested in the coke model vmc44 I would appriciate any information you can send me on this unit as manufacture date etc the one i have is a 5 cent machine unrestored vin#2859A31 Thanks very much
Terry Henderson
5705 C.R.28
Edison,Ohio 43320
2 vintagevending // May 18, 2009 at 9:25 am
Terry,
We recommend you check out fun-tronicsllc.com for soda machine restoration parts. They also carry manuals for many different soda machines.
3 Randy Wood // Jul 9, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I live by LUBBOCK and am looking for someone to restore my double lid coke ice box. If you know of anyone please let me know. Randy
4 duane // Aug 4, 2009 at 12:36 am
i have an old cornelius diplomat super server soda dispensing machine … 4 taps … model #28-4669 … where can i get parts/rebuild kit?
5 vintagevending // Aug 4, 2009 at 10:45 am
Duane,
Try americansodafountain.com. They have parts for many types of machines.
6 Mike // Aug 19, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I have a Vendorlator 72 serial # 72-5257.
Would like to know some history on it?
Thank you
7 vintagevending // Aug 24, 2009 at 9:32 am
Mike,
We have a blog written about this model at: http://www.vintagevending.com/the-vendorlator-72-soda-machine. You can also try fun-tronicsllc.com. They sell manuals and parts for many types of machines. You can also try ebay or Craig’s List, sometimes items like this come up.
8 Jim Carpenter // Sep 5, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I have a VMC 33 with no interior parts. Exterior paint OK. 1/2 of exterior door missing. I would like to have it restored. Can anyone help me?
9 robert lavender // Sep 25, 2009 at 5:55 pm
i have a friend who has a ventorlator model vmc33 in very good condition.interested in selling.
10 Kari McBride // Sep 29, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I have owned a vmc 44 for about 10 years and would like to sell it. do you know how much it is worth if anything and would anyone want it? Its been beautifuly restored and works great.
11 Kari McBride // Sep 29, 2009 at 3:42 pm
We would also love some history on this model. serial # 445901 A31
12 vintagevending // Sep 29, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Kari,
You can try eBay and Craig’s List, sometimes they pop up there. Also, fun-tronicsllc.com might be able to help with the value.
13 triple d // Oct 28, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I have a vendorlator model 33 1/5 motor with all labors ULJ approved ,union stickers and other papers. all original run perfect. how can I find the value?
14 vintagevending // Oct 28, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Try fun-tronicsllc.com
They have a great variety of parts for machines, and might be able to help with the value. Otherwise, keep checking ebay and Craig’s List, sometimes they pop up there.
15 Mike // Oct 30, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I have a old 7up soda machine i think is from the fiftys. Model # VF81R-SA. Trying to find out more about this machine, whats it’s worth ect. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
16 Bill Murray // Nov 3, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I have a v-81 and I misplaced the key during a move to Florida. Can you assist with how I may be able to obtain another key? Thank you!
17 vintagevending // Nov 4, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Bill,
You probably need to buy a new lock mechanism. These can be bought at fun-tronicsllc.com.
18 Jane Freeman // Nov 17, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I have a 1940’s Vendalator, with the old drinking water fountain on the side. I am interested in selling it. It is in pretty good shape and could easily be restored. I can furnish a picture via e mail if anyone is interested. Thanks, Jane Freeman
19 Tom Feemster // Nov 24, 2009 at 1:26 am
I have a Model VFA56E-B Serial 611061731
and on a plate near but not on the motor is model V23TE SERIAL 66P81521
CAN SOMEONE HELP FIGURING IT OUT
20 JANE // Nov 27, 2009 at 2:17 am
DON’T KNOW IF I AM DOING THIS RIGHT NOT VERY COLLECTABLE OR COMPUTER SAVVY…I HAVE A MODEL VMC33 COCA COLA MACHINE….ONE EIGHTH MOTER 15 VOLT, 4.1 AMP, 60 CYCLE, REFRIGERANT F12?, AND OTHER INFORMATION….THIS MACHINE STILL WORKS NO DENTS PAINT WORN…..TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT I HAVE….
21 James C // Dec 5, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I recently acquired a coke machine that I cannot determine the era (or year) it was made. The Model number is VF56PB-G and there is the slogan of “Here’s the real thing” on the side. It is Vendolator machine. Any information you can provide on it’s history is appreciated.
22 vintagevending // Dec 9, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Joel,
We’re not sure of the date your machine was made, it might help if you could send us a picture? nmiller@retroplanet.com
If anyone else can help, please comment.
23 Karlie Slagle // Dec 31, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I have a dr.pepper machine that is old and i have no idea about the numbers or year it was made. I’m trying to figure out how much it would sell for. i read some things off the front like crown co., 01533 wbc/lbc and newport news. ill send you a picture.
thanks
karlie
24 vintagevending // Jan 4, 2010 at 10:20 am
Karlie,
We aren’t able to give estimates on the value of an item. If you keep an eye on Ebay or maybe Craig’s List, your item is sure to be listed at some point. That may give you a rough idea of it’s value, and will provide more information on the specific model, and most likely the year it was produced. You can also contact fun-tronicsllc.com for more specific information on machines.
25 John // Jan 6, 2010 at 11:54 am
I have owned VMC-33 since 1985. I am interested in selling it now. Everything works fine and is good shape. I have found similar models on EBAY and craigslist to try and get a selling cost. My unit has a factory installed dolly system with wheels and handle incorporated into unit. Are these rare,? I cant find any information on them. Everthing is painted by original red paint.
26 vintagevending // Jan 8, 2010 at 1:44 pm
John,
When we were in the restoration business, we saw a few of these, probably one in fifty. So the machine might be somewhat rare, but we don’t think it is necessarily more valuable.
27 Chris // Jan 18, 2010 at 7:59 pm
i have a vendorlator made for Royal Crown. not sure what year or model it is. its a flat top and the price was set at 25 cents per bottle. i found some pictures of a vendo 56 made for royal crown, but its not quite the same. can someone help me learn more about this machine? i have pictures if they would help.
28 Stacey // Feb 2, 2010 at 5:59 pm
I have a Vendorlator Pepsi machine, I think the model number is VP56R-G.
Can you tell me when this was made? Everything on the machine is working except that the lock is broken. The cost for soda was .10¢
29 vintagevending // Feb 3, 2010 at 9:22 am
Stacey,
Can you send us some pictures to look at? It might help us estimate the year.
questions@vintagevending.com
30 Stacey // Feb 6, 2010 at 11:43 am
I’ll take some pictures and send them today, thanks!
31 Dale // Feb 22, 2010 at 7:51 pm
I have a Vendolator VMC 56 a-c. It is Royal Crown and has a solid bottle door. Can someone tell me what year this is from?
32 Stan // Feb 25, 2010 at 10:57 am
I have a Vendolator Model VMC 33 and I need a key, inside wheel, and opening instructions. Do you know where I could purchase these items?
33 vintagevending // Feb 26, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Stan,
fun-tronicsllc.com sells the key with a new lock, and an owner’s manual.
34 Carol Dace // Mar 2, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I have a Vendolator Model VF90D-A, serial #6057D90B, 76, the Friendly Pepper Upper.
35 Steve // Mar 10, 2010 at 12:38 pm
My maintenance personnel located a VMC-88 Coca Cola machine(still plugged in and cold inside) last week while cleaning out a storage room.
I realize it has some value to it after some research.
I don’t have the time to restore it(even though it looks pretty good for it’s age and is still working), but was just hoping you had some thoughts as what to do with it since it’s very apparent you guys are the experts.
Thank you in advance,
Steve
36 vintagevending // Mar 10, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Steve,
A lot of collectors keep an eye on ebay and Craig’s List for items like this. You can also find out how to price it by looking at similar models. I’m sure it will sell if you post it on these sites. Good luck!
37 sam // Mar 12, 2010 at 10:54 am
thinking of buying a V.M.C. model #33 and I am aware that it dispenced 8 oz bottles but was uncertain if it could dispence 12 or 16 oz bottles also. Have looked high and low and have seen a few comments that yes it could but have never seen what I would consider a reliable source stating that it would. hope you could help me clear up this matter. Thanks Sam
38 Glenn // Mar 18, 2010 at 10:28 am
I have a VMC-24A that was in this building when I bought it. The exterior is in mint condition, coin mechanism works fine, had the lock replaced. The interior and refrigeration unit need refurbishing. It works but I’m afraid to leave it plugged in since the wiring is old, etc. Anyone have any suggestions as to places that do refurbs on these machines? I am in Oklahoma, so some place close would be great.
39 vintagevending // Mar 19, 2010 at 8:17 am
Sam,
It will only vend the small old bottles. We are not sure if it will vend the new 8 oz bottles.
40 RC // Mar 28, 2010 at 8:44 am
Steve,
I am interested in your VMC-88 machine. Where are you located?
41 Randy // Apr 28, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I have a Cavalier c124-b coke machine and a Vendolator VMC88 I need some parts for both machines where can i find them?
42 jami // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:52 pm
i have a 1950s vmc33.it still works and everything is all original.never been restored.paint is a little worn.no key but it still opens.can you tell me how much its worth.im needing to sell it cause i have no room.thanks
43 vintagevending // Apr 30, 2010 at 8:36 am
Randy,
Try soda-machines.com or fun-tronicsllc.com.
44 vintagevending // Apr 30, 2010 at 8:43 am
Jami,
We have been out of the restoration business for awhile, and can’t give estimates. You can try this http://soda-machines.com/discussions/index.php or check out ebay or Craig’s List to see if there are any machines listed there like yours.
45 Heather // May 1, 2010 at 9:29 pm
does anyone know where i can get an old pepsi machine restored in oklahoma area?
46 Paul // Jun 9, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I have an old Dr. Pepper Vendorlator machine.. Cant figure out the age of it.
01C13207C
9RK507081
These are the manufacturing and serial numbers…Please let me know if you can figure the age by these numbers.
thanks
47 vintagevending // Jun 11, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Paul,
Do you know the model number?
48 mike murphy // Jun 11, 2010 at 8:30 pm
I have a vendo vmc 27 that someone has ground down the v on the bottle separators down about 5/8″ so now the gap between the bottle separators and the inside ring is larger so now the original size bottles just fall down on each other and jamming the machine. This must have been done to accomadate a different bottle but I don’t know what bottle. Anybody have any suggestions?
49 Wayne Mills // Jun 12, 2010 at 10:54 am
I have a VMC 88. It has not been running for about 18 years. I plugged it in and it started running, but I discovered the evaporator fan motor not running. The coil is freezing up. Where can I find an evaporator fan motor for it. The serial number is 4173-B13
Also, where can I find the stickers to replace on this machine.
50 vintagevending // Jun 14, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Wayne,
You can find the parts you need at this link: http://www.fun-tronicsllc.com/store.php?crn=326
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