$30 for a parking meter?

beorn · October 21, 2003 7:16AM

I have a friend that runs an antique shop.He recently acquired an old parking meter,the thing is ancient.It only took dimes.We took it to a locksmith but he couldnt open it.My friend offered to let me take a sledge hammer to it and claim whatever is inside for $30.So what do you think...is it worth a Whack?

mozeppa · October 21, 2003 7:21AM

just for venting a little anger?...............................heck yeah!

Trooper · October 21, 2003 7:23AM

My cousin has come across a couple of these in the past and the best way he found out to open it is with a blowtorch. BUT YOU have to fill the coin box with water to keep the coins cool. He has told me he has tried various methods but that(torch) was the easiest. I never asked him what he found but I'm sure it was all modern stuff.

tlhoy · October 21, 2003 7:25AM

Cut it open.

Bubblehead · October 21, 2003 7:26AM

I can't believe a decent locksmith couldn't get inside. But, at any rate, go for it! If you can get inside w/o damaging it too much, you could always make a lamp out of it afterwards.

abuell · October 21, 2003 7:29AM

I'd say that it is even money that the parking meter is worth more as a collectable than there is pocket change inside of it. Save the meter.

dram · October 21, 2003 7:34AM

Drill the lock

Tonelover · October 21, 2003 7:44AM

Sell it on ebay, make up some story about how it was last used in Denver in 1916. It would be $30 well spent.

cosmos66 · October 21, 2003 7:45AM

I would pay the 30 just for the challenge of getting the thing open. Any goodies inside would be gravy.

beorn · October 21, 2003 7:47AM

we tried the locksmith and drilling it..we decided that some finesse nine pound sledge is prob our best option

pontiacinf · October 21, 2003 7:49AM

they actually open very easy using a dent puller..if ya cant figure that out pm me

Bulldog · October 21, 2003 9:36AM

A decent locksmith will probably cost more than $30

richbeat · October 21, 2003 9:44AM

You may want to find out what the value of the meter is. It may or may not have substantial value, but I think I'd check that out first, before taking the ol' hammer to it.

fivecents · October 21, 2003 9:46AM

As we used to yell at "The Who" concerts......Smash It Pete!!!!!

jeffnpcb · October 21, 2003 10:12AM

Find another locksmith with GRANDPA's in the name or older person that does this line of work. All meters, like drink boxes use the same key and all are keyed alike! Ever see a meter maid with a thousand keys on their waist? I wouldn't destroy the unit unless you know the age it was pulled out of service. Just look awhile and find an older locksmith!

BAJJERFAN · October 21, 2003 10:38AM

See if you can find Lovely Rita Meter Maid.

mbbiker · October 21, 2003 10:48AM

i'd say take a hammer to it, it would be interesting to see what's inside.

mozeppa · October 21, 2003 10:51AM

<< <i>i'd say take a hammer to it, it would be interesting to see what's inside. >>

probably just meter guts

mbbiker · October 21, 2003 10:54AM

Deadhorse · October 21, 2003 10:57AM

I'd pay more than that for just the meter.

It would look good next to my 1910 fire hydrant. While I got a good deal on that a few years ago, I found out that it was made of cast iron and weighs 280 pounds when I tried to pick it up and take it home. Hernia city!!

$30 for a parking meter?

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