I just acquired a 25 cent Mills Chrome Diamond Front.
It is very tightly locked up mid-cycle and I can't seem to get it to budge. I have never encountered one in this state so I have several questions. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I have attached a few photos that I hope will allow some analysis but I can provide more if needed.
1) The slot is obviously missing some parts but I know that several parts are non-essential to home operation. The coin tube loading arm is gone. I know from removing it from another machine at one time that it does help hold in position another part or two that is spring loaded but as you can see from the photos those are gone as well. Are these essential parts? Could their lack cause the lock up?
2) The 2nd from bottom payout slide is somewhat protruding from home position. Could the be the cause of the lockup?
3) Assuming the lockup is not because of frozen parts do you have any suggestions or hints on how to free it up?
4) If it is frozen parts due to old grease or rust any hints on what a likely areas or parts to hit with sprays in an attempt to free it up?
5) Can I still try to disassemble things with it being in mid-cycle or will that condition potentially prevent disassemble at some point?
Thanks very much for any help or advice you can provide.