Expert: Chad Boekelheide - 4/2/2010

Question
Hi Chad,
Thank you in advance for any help you may provide. I have an Ideal 55B Pepsi Cooler (slider) that I have had in my garage for many years.  It is in above average condition with very little rust.  I have the coin box (10 cents), cap catcher and slider rack all intact.  It has the original compressor which likely needs freon.  The unit could use a new electrical cord as it is no longer working as it did in years past.  The Pepsi logo is on the front of the cooler and it is a double dot which I understand increases the value.  I am interested in selling the cooler and would like to know the approximate value.  Ebay Item# 330392108003 looks very similar to mine except it is not double dot so it was manufactured in the 50's rather than the 40's.  Also, that item does not have the coin box, cap catcher or slider rack. It is up for bid at $399.91. Can you give me some idea what to ask for my machine.  Thank you so much!

Answer
Robert,

First let me start by saying I'm not an expert on Pepsi coolers, but I would guess it is worth several hundred.  It is a neat soda machine, but it is not rare.  Condition is everything with an item like this.  If it is complete and in good original condition, it is obviously worth much more than a beat up example that is missing parts.  It sounds like you have a very nice example which will get a collector much more excited than one with missing parts.    

Good Luck,
Chad
www.chadscoinop.com