About My Custom Gumball Machines Restorations
Growing up I had a beloved Uncle that always had the neatest things at his house. One year he got a gumball machine. It was one of those inexpensive antique looking Carousel gumball machines that you easily find for sale at a big box store or online, but to my young eyes it was amazing! You could have your own gumball machine at home?
I found myself saying the same thing about pinball machines and arcade games also when I saw the 80's TV show 'Silver Spoons'. I knew I wanted a gumball machine for my place when I grew up, so I bought my first one when I was off to college 30 years ago. Not being content with how it looked stock, I started changing it's colors, adding decals, etc. Over time, I found myself really liking the Oak Acorn model gumball machine and that's primarily what I would look for. They were what I remembered from being a kid, were old, had glass globes, parts were available, plenty of smooth surface area to ad decals, were tough, and they had a really cool retro design! I started customizing my own, and then as friends and family started seeing them I started doing it for their homes as well.
Some machines I've restored to look like they did the day they were made, and some I've made water-slide decals to create "fantasy" pieces for brands and companies that never had a true gumball machine back in the day (like many of the gas and cola ones I've done). A few times if the machine was old enough or historically significant in some way I felt like it needed messed with just enough to get it working properly, as well as the insides clean enough to safely handle candy and gums. I call that a partial restoration.
I've also toyed around with Northwesterns, Victors, Fords, and others, but my heart really lies with the old reliable Oak Acorn. Unfortunately, the old Acorns are starting to get a bit tougher to find these days, especially with good chrome on the coin mechs, and good glass globes. But, I still get a few machines a year to tinker with and really enjoy restoring them!
Click HERE to see photos of my past gumball machine restorations!
The video below takes a closer look at my gumball machine restoration process.
Oak Acorn Gumball Machine Restoration, by Kanauga Kool
Currently (September 2026), I have two restored Acorn gumball machines available. They can be seen by clicking here at THIS link for a Coke themed machine and THIS link for a standard red and black Acorn machine. Also, if you have questions about vintage Acorn gumball machines, how you can restore your machine, or questions about my restoration process I would be happy to assist! You can email me at [email protected]
Do you need help with an Acorn gumball machine?
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