Convert soda machine to gun safe ?

rfuerst911sc · 05-24-2019, 03:20 AM

Was surfing local CL and I always check for gun safes . I have one safe already but like many folks it is crammed to the max ! I see some Coke/Pepsi machines being sold for reasonable prices .

Many have already been stripped of the compressor and related plumbing . Any of you guys converted a soda machine to a gun safe ? Is it just a matter of re-doing the interior ? I assume because of insulation they would stay dry inside with some desiccant ?

unclebilly · unclebilly's Garage

That’s a cool idea. I was thinking of using an old filing cabinet... thieves would never look inside it or suspect anything if it was locked.

ckelly78z · 05-24-2019, 04:10 AM

I think the primary reason that most people get a heavy duty gun safe is for fire protection, and virtually crime proof because of it's weight, and inpenetrable walls. This might not be the case with a lightweight soda machine that could be breached easily.

It would be more like a gun cabinet for storage.

rfuerst911sc · 05-24-2019, 04:26 AM

Most gun safes are made with a thin metal exterior skin , then fireproof layer and then interior carpet . Some are made better than others and the cost reflects that . However they are not as in penetrable as many think .

And some are like a bank vault . I am thinking take a soda machine , strip the interior and cover with sheetrock and carpet . So you have metal exterior skin , factory insulation , factory interior metal skin then DIY sheetrock and then carpet . That should be a decent deterrent and fire rating . Bolt the machine to the floor and wall it's not going anywhere .

KFC911 · 05-24-2019, 04:32 AM

Cool idea...make it happen

.....with pics!

dad911 · 05-24-2019, 04:48 AM

My first thoughts:

Wood is rated for 1hr per 1.5". I'd make an inside box of double 3/4 ply, or try to find some solid core wood doors on craigslist. Line it with carpet, and spray fire rated foam insulation (the red stuff) around the outside of the box.

MBAtarga · 05-24-2019, 05:25 AM

Instead of sheetrock - use backerboard (Durock) - which has additional fire resistance. The additional weight will be a benefit and you can still just glue/screw carpet onto it.

tabs · 05-24-2019, 06:47 AM

Sawzall right across the top, then a pry bar to peak it back like a sardine can. Then it is look ma what I found in here.

tabs · 05-24-2019, 06:52 AM

Stands to reason you spend accordingly to the value of what you have to protect..

HardDrive · 05-24-2019, 06:54 AM

Better idea: Find a commercially made gun safe that would fit inside the soda machine. Empty the soda machine of contents, and retrofit the safe inside. You get the protection and the style.

rfuerst911sc · 05-24-2019, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabs

Sawzall right across the top, then a pry bar to peak it back like a sardine can. Then it is look ma what I found in here.

Yep and the same can be said about many commercial gun safes for sale. I have a Field and Stream branded gun safe I purchased from a sporting goods store. It looks nice , door sounds impressive when you close it . I could probably cut my way into with an axe in a few minutes . In my opinion any gun safe under 2K is probably built too light .

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

What sort of dummy is going to cut the top off a soda machine with a sawzall to get all that delicious Dr Pepper?

You can even put a little electric motor in it so it sounds like it is running, and blinky out of soda lights so if the crook won't get suspicious if they get thirsty when they break in.

HardDrive · 05-24-2019, 07:47 AM

Love the idea btw.

vash · vash's Garage

I think the benefits would be to hide the safe. Theory would be nobody would give your soda machine a second look while rummaging for firearms. Right?

Zeke · 08:09 AM

IDK about GA but here any soda machine worth taking home and looking at is gonna cost 4 figures and up. Saw a Vendo 18 fully restored yesterday for $6500. They told me a lot of Japanese come here and pick these things up. So they aren't shy on the selling prices.