The Soda Jerk Works

I have been restoring antique automobiles, built custom cars, and custom painted for 25 years. In 1990 I acquired my first soda machine - a Westinghouse Master icebox. This machine had been sitting in a field for almost 40 years. I worked hard to restore it to its original condition. One of the managers at the company for which my wife works, saw it and wanted a machine for herself. I found an early electric Westinghouse Electric machine and restored it for her. The owner of the company saw her machine and asked if I could find one for him. I was able to find an Ideal 35. He requested it be painted with the company colors and with the company logo on it. A customer saw it and wanted one in his company colors and logo.

And as they say: "That was that." The Soda Jerk Works was in business.

The Soda Jerk Works strives to restore soda machines and ice cream fountains to the highest quality on the west coast.

Quality is my prime priority! Each machine is restored one at a time.

I follow the industry standard by completely stripping and sandblasting each machine inside as well as outside. All chrome and zinc items have new plating. Any missing parts not available will be made. I use only the finest automotive paint. All embossing is hand-lettered. A minimum of 6 coats of clear paint is applied over the entire machine. The interior of the machine cabinet is coated with vinyl paint to prevent rust from condensation. (If your machine has rust near the cooling compartment, this was caused by condensation absorbed by the original insulation.)

All insulation is REPLACED. I use a closed cell foam and/or foam injected into the body. This produces a superior ‘R’ value compared to the original fiberglass or cork insulation. Original compressors are rebuilt, repainted, and rewired. While it is true the original compressors are not as efficient as modern compressors, the original compressor will normally outlast a modern compressor. (Will your refrigerator be working in 40-50 years? It is highly likely to see soda machines or soda fountains 50 + years old still cooling properly.) The insulation installed will make the restored antique/classic soda machine as efficient as a modern soda machine using fiberglass or cork, and a new compressor.

At this point the machine is reassembled with attention given to every detail.

I have strong feelings about keeping the antiques and collectibles I restore, to be as close as possible to the original.

I will never do a restoration when the cost will exceed the current value of the machine without letting you, the customer, know.

Example: A customer brought in a Westinghouse Junior with the bottom cut off 30 years earlier. It could not be restored properly. However, it had sentimental value to the customer and he preferred to have it customized to an approximation of what might have been produced.

My business is 90% antique/classic soda machines. I also restore antique ice cream fountains.

Please look around. Take a look at my before and after photos of machines. Please contact me online, by email or call (559) 298-4684, with your questions. I look forward to hearing from you.