Is this fixable/usable?

[newmark]

Hi guys, I bought a tower at the weekend and unfortunately on closer inspection, I dont think it will be usable

There are a few bits broken, however the two main issues are the plastic "slope" next to the barrel is broken, and the chute is cracked and broken. In addition, all segments are broken in the middle, but I understand these can be replaced.

Is there a way to upload pics, as I would welcome any advice, particularly if there is anything I can do about the broken slope, or whether it is a case of binning it.

Many thanks,

Mark

[newmark]

WP_20160124_11_50_44_Pro.jpg

[newmark]

WP_20160124_11_52_18_Pro.jpg

[Quinch]

You need to check if a pot will still vend with the damaged 'slope', maybe try filing it down so the edge is smoother. The chute and segments can be replaced but it will cost you at least £5 per segment and a few quid for the chute, you need to strip the base down to replace the chute.

It looks like a metal barreled Clenport which in my opinion are the Rolls Royce of towers so should last you many years once reconditioned but check out the total cost of doing it first.

Rockvend sell new and second hand parts and tubz vending have a video on their website for stripping down Chinese towers, Clenports are not exactly the same but close enough for you to work it out. If you need any help just ask.

[Quinch]

Looks like it is missing a least one nut from the base also, make sure you know exactly what the tower needs before buying any parts and as I said the number one thing is making sure it still vends first as replacing the top part of the base which has the 'slope' on it is expensive.

[Style]

I wouldnt bother. THe cost of buying new parts is v high. You will be better using it for spares.

[newmark]

Thanks all, really appreciate the comments and advice.

I think I will put this one down to experience, and use the parts that arent broken as spares. Unfortunately every segment was broken too - here's a pic. This is in addition to breaks on the outside. Not sure what happened to it, but these were all broken in this way from when I picked it up, and there was no actual broken plastic pieces anywhere so I assume must have been broken for some time.... maybe someone removed the broken plastic pieces and decided it was not worth fixing?

Still, not a big deal in the scheme of things - and I'll remember in future not to buy things in the dark by torchlight!

On a positive, I've met so many really helpful people in this community who have assisted with advice and spare parts, and really appreciate the support! Hopefully I'll soon be in a position to help other people in the same way :)

Cheers, Mark.

[Quinch]

You bought the machine after looking at it in the dark with someone shining a torch on it? Was this in a back alley from a guy with a black and white stripy jumper who pulled it out of a sack with the word SWAG on it?

Sorry, only joking. Seriously though, how come you you were looking at it in the dark?

[Style]

Weve all been done like this. Ive still got a tower in the garage that I cant get the lid or base lock off and I think ive got every vending key known to man!

[newmark]

Ha ha Hi Quinch, something like that -lol. Not a big deal in the scheme of things, and as they say you learn from your mistakes!

Hi Andy, I've had that too (funnily enough, also bought in the dark - Doh!), and in the end I drilled the lock as the seller was unable to find the requried key.

I'm happy to say that most of the deals I've done since I've been involved in vending have gone smoothly though, and I've met some great people who have gone out of their way to help me, whether buying from them or not

Cheers, Mark.