My Second Restoration - Mills Melon Bell

[Mendozaco]

This is my second restoration. I wanted to share before and after pictures with the forum. How did I do?

I brought this machine in an estate auction in VA Beach and it was in bad shape. It was sold for parts because it was not working.

[Mendozaco]

other pics

[Mendozaco]

other pics

[youngjedi]

Very nice! One of the brown fronts i have has a bottom casting for a mellon bell medalion lock. Can you post a picture of how the lock works on the medalion jackpot from inside the machine? I restore machines as well and have not seen how this lock works yet.
Thanks,
Charlie

[nvmos2]

Very nice!
The Melon Bell is a neat machine.

Couple of questions;
What was the decal that was on the side of the machine (does not look like a regular Mills decal)?
Did you remove the lock to right of medalion jackpot (in after photo; looks like it's gone);what's up with that?
Were you able to match original colors or use TLAR method(That Looks About Right)? They are really bright and vivd; quite a contrast to "before" pictures.
I live in the Western Branch; what part of Va Bch are you in?

Jim

[Mendozaco]

Charlie,
I send the medallion lock to Dave at Mrslot1.com to get a replacement key. I wanted a original mills key. It should be in the mail in two weeks. I will post interial pictures for the lock and its parts. Send me pic of your machine. Thanks

[Mendozaco]

Jim, thanks for the comments.

I live in White Flint, Maryland. I travel to VA Beach during the year for the auctions. I keep you posted on the next auction in your area. Sometimes I can't make it to an auction, but I will send you the details. There is plenty for all.

I can't find a before picture of the decal to send you. I noticed that it was a Mills decal but different than the usual Mills decals.
Regarding the lock, It was not moved. I'm having a key made for the lock and will post final pictures.

The color I used was a Satin which was less vivid than the purple I purchased. I painted the both the upper and lower casting with each color and compared the two. I decided to use a Satin color which looked closer to the original color. Also, the flash on the camera brings out the color. Overall I'm satisfied with the results. Its a great machine and I know I will enjoy it in the future.

Here is a pic of the paint i used.

Thanks,

Alex