Don’t Get Fooled by Imitations: A Vintage Dr Pepper Machine Buyer’s Guide From Bars and Booths  

A nickel. That’s all it took to pull a cold drink out of a Vendo 56 in the 1960s, and these 345-pound machines are still turning heads in home bars and diners. The catch: copycats noticed. Plenty of sellers pass off rushed rebuilds or mismatched parts as the real deal, and the difference rarely shows until you’ve paid. If you want a vintage Dr Pepper machine that’s original, you need to know what to look for. This guide covers the physical signs, the coin mech, the specs and the restoration fine print, plus why Bars and Booths is the restorer buyers measure others against. 

Telltale Signs of a Genuine Vendo 56 

Factory Markings 

The machine came out of VMC factories, yet it carries the Vendo logo on the lower right front. If that badge is missing or sits somewhere odd, be careful. The Vendo 56 is also the “little sister” of the Vendo 81, and the two look alike, so mix-ups happen. 

Door Version Check 

Door Version	What to Look For
Early	Solid door with aluminum inserts
Later	Glass door showing 6 of the 7 selections

Both are legitimate for a vintage Dr Pepper machine; just make sure the door matches the seller’s description. 

Coin Mechanism Red Flags 

Three Original Mechanisms 

Mechanism	Accepts	Note
Single-coin	Nickel only or dime only	Fixed to the ordered model
Dual-capable	Nickel or dime	Adjusted to one at a time
Three-coin	Nickel, dime or quarter	One at a time; returns 15¢ in nickels for a quarter, plus bottle opener

The Bars and Booths Advantage 

A vintage Dr Pepper machine from Bars and Booths can be set anywhere from a nickel to $1.55 per drink. That’s handy for charging guests at a home bar or coworkers at the office. 

Specification Sheet Verification 

Numbers That Must Match 

Spec	Original Vendo 56
Capacity	56 cans (12 oz)
Selections	7, one per shelf
Pre-cool	18
Size	52″ H × 25″ W × 21″ D
Weight	345 lbs

Quick Tip 

Ask the seller for exact measurements and weight. If a vintage Dr Pepper machine seems much lighter or smaller than these numbers, it’s probably a different model. 

Reading the Restoration Fine Print 

Why Restorations Differ 

Not every shop restores a vintage Dr Pepper machine the same way. Most do only what they feel is necessary to get a machine out the door, and that can mean a quick repaint over tired parts. 

Questions to Put to Any Seller 

• Is the refrigeration system rebuilt or just cleaned? 

• Is the coin mech tested and working? 

• Is the warranty written, and how long is it? 

Why Bars and Booths Is the Safer Source 

What Sets Them Apart 

Bars and Booths has watched others copy its work for years, yet every vintage Dr Pepper machine still gets restored one way. 

• Restored to “better than new” condition, the same way every time. 

• 3-year warranty on all machines 

• Best of Houzz award for customer satisfaction 

• Commercial discounts for diners and retro restaurants. 

Location and Support 

Bars and Booths works out of Martinsburg, WV, and its retro specialists answer calls and emails directly. 

Before You Buy 

Before you hand over any money, check the logo, the door style, the coin mech and the specs. Then read exactly what the seller did to the machine. A genuine vintage Dr Pepper machine should look right, work right and come with proof of the restoration. A little homework now saves a lot of regret later. Bars and Booths takes the guesswork out with consistent restoration work and a 3-year warranty on every machine. If you’re ready to bring one home or into your diner, call 304-728-0547 or email the team for pricing on your next vintage Dr Pepper machine. 

FAQs: 

1. How much does a vintage Dr Pepper machine usually cost? 

Prices swing widely. A working original may sell for under a thousand dollars online, while fully restored units cost far more. Condition, completeness and restoration quality decide the final number, so request a direct quote.  

2. How much space does a Vendo 56 take up at home? 

The Vendo 56 is 52″ high, 25″ wide and 21″ deep. Leave plenty of space for the door to swing open, and measure the entire path you plan to take, due to the weight (345 pounds). 

3. How much power does an old Dr Pepper machine consume? 

Most old coolers are more powerful than newer ones, so be prepared for a larger power bill than a mini fridge. A refurbished cool unit is a boon, and the cooler the room is the lesser it’s power consumption. 

4. Can I find replacement parts for an older Dr Pepper vending machine? 

Yes. Many parts can still be sourced through specialist dealers and restoration companies like coin mechanisms, solenoids, seals and stickers. While rarer items might take longer to find, there are plenty of expert restorers who are able to help. 

5. How many years can a restored vintage Dr Pepper machine last? 

These electronics, maintained properly, can last for many decades as the original equipment has. A smooth, level floor, routine maintenance and an occasional coolant level check will help keep them happy.