Welcome to BigScreenBiz.com

I have a cool Cretors popper that was made in the 60's. It makes the best popcorn. But it is looking a little shabby and two days ago started screaming when it had been worked hard--the noise went away when it was allowed to cool down and produced another fine batch of corn. But the noise came back the next night after a few batches and had to cool down again. I would like to have the machine restored, but Cretors is of no help. They said they don't have parts any more and said a new popper with similar features would cost $7,000. Anyone know anybody or company that restores these machines? I want the motor rebuilt and all the painted surfaces inside and out redone. I plan on buying a smaller, used machine to use during the restoration if it can be done.

You probably need to buy the latest Kettle Assembly (it's an upgrade/conversion kit). The Rodeo 3 Drivein has an old Cretor's President and theirs is ancient, but Cretors had a conversion kit for it which consisted of a complete brand new very large Kettle assembly.

The Harlan Fairbanks company branch office in Seattle (206-824-6821) has a back room where they do nothing but repair/rebuild/restore popcorn poppers (Gold Medal brand is their specialty, but they can do other brands). They totaly strip the kettles and sand blast them. Then they install all new heat elements/thermostats/hardware. The cabinets are pressure washed and painted if need be.

Ask your local concessions suppliers if they do popcorn popper repair and chances are they too should have a "back room" where they do that sort of thing.

Thanks, Ken. I will continue to check around.

We had an old Manley. Very cool! Really 50's or whatever! I mean out of a nostalgia factory. But as it slowly died we had to face it: we needed a new popper. Could not find parts and we were always running out! We finally went for a Cretors Diplomat and I can't say it makes pops as good but man oh man it does make corn! We can not be overrun. If you can fix it: do it. If you can't: get a new machine and you will love it! Often any food service outfit can re-do the things as it's very basic. Cretors may not help but any Cretors dealer should. Try a few. Good luck. By the way: if it's making noise prepare for a hard landing. Think of it as an airplane. The landing won't just be coasting to a stop. You'll come in burning into dense forest and mountains. Better to fix it before you fly!@

---

Mike Hurley
www.bigscreenbiz.com

I just googled a bit to see if I can find somebody who specializes in restoring old cretors poppers and this is the site that came up. Should have known to start here in the first place.

Since its been a while... you still have your machine, Burney?
Ever found somebody who could help?

Thanks,

Jay

If you have a MANLEY popper, here is an excellent site for restoring it:

manleypopcornmachine.com/

Be sure to check out the forums there, too. There are now some folks reproducing parts for Manley popcorn poppers and they can be found at the above site.

Thanks Ken for the link."Unfortunately" I have a Cretors Ambassador. So far it is still running good and when ever I had a problem I could fix it myself, but you never know when things will break. If anybody has a picture of one (not the old advertising) that would be great too.

Jay