Turn a Vending Machine into a Secret Gun Rack (and Get the Step-by-Step Instructions!)

Are you looking for a creative way to protect your collection without drawing unwanted attention? Upcycling a vintage soda machine into a DIY concealed secure gun safe is the perfect fusion of Americana style and modern security.

Our latest transformation project, featuring both Pepsi and Coca-Cola vending machines, proves that you can turn any obsolete cooler into a high-capacity gun safe. We have released multiple videos documenting these builds, showcasing how to gut the internal mechanics and create a "refreshingly secure" sanctuary for your firearms.

To view our latest videos visit our YouTube Channel, Facebook or Instagram.

The secret to maximizing space in your custom gun rack lies in using the right organization tools. By installing a loop-fabric ceiling and using Rifle Rods and Handgun Hangers, you can stabilize your long guns in an upright position, allowing you to store more firearms than traditional racks.

Ready to build your own? We have developed a comprehensive, step-by-step instructional manual that guides you through the entire refurbishment process—from removing cooling units and adding ballast for stability to mounting modular closet organizers and secondary shelves for handguns.

Detailed Instructions: Converting a Soda Vending Machine into a Gun Safe

**Remember to take photos! Document this exciting process—share them with us, or just show them off to your friends. If you do share your photos, we promise to keep your identity completely confidential.

Gutting the Machine

1. Disconnect and Remove Cooling Mechanism. Locate and remove all hardware securing the cooling mechanism to the vending machine frame. Carefully remove the entire cooling unit and related mechanics, ensuring proper disposal of any refrigerants or oils according to local regulations.
2. Add Ballast for Stability. Place a heavy sandbag or alternative ballast in the bottom section of the machine. This step is critical for stability, as the removal of heavy internal components can make the safe top-heavy.
3. Clear the Interior Space. Remove all remaining internal tracks, shelving guides, and dispensing hardware to create a clean, open interior cavity.

Set-up

1. Install Stable Flooring. Measure the bottom section of the safe and cut a wood plank to size for the floor. If the plank does not sit flat—for example, if it rests on a structural bolt—you may need to notch out space in the plank to nest the bolt. This ensures the floor is perfectly flat and stable.
2. Customize the Interior Finish. Paint or line the interior of the safe with your preferred color or desired aesthetic material.
3. 1. Install a Hook & Loop Compatible Ceiling Surface. The Rifle Rods system requires a secure loop-fabric ceiling for proper use.

• Install Plywood Ceiling: Measure and cut plywood to match the ceiling dimensions. This creates a supportive surface for mounting the loop fabric liner.
• Apply Shelf Liner (Loop Fabric): Cut the loop fabric liner to size and attach it to the plywood using a staple gun. Place staples approximately every 3 to 4 inches for a firm application.
• Mount the Complete Assembly: Secure the plywood sheet with the attached loop fabric liner to the ceiling. Use appropriately sized screws and place them as necessary to ensure a firm hold.

Closet Organizer Set-up

Selecting the Organizer System: You will need a modular closet organizer system, which typically includes a heavy-duty hang track, vertical rails, and brackets. Popular brands often found at home improvement stores include Rubbermaid, Everbilt, ClosetMaid, and Costway. When planning your setup, consider the various heights of the firearms you intend to store.

1. Mount the Hang Track. Install the heavy-duty hang track at the top interior of the safe.
2. Affix Vertical Rails and Brackets. Place the vertical rails and necessary shelf brackets, utilizing the space available in your configuration.
3. Customize and Line Secondary Shelves.
• Cut the secondary shelves to the required size, keeping in mind the lengths of your firearms. These shorter shelves are ideal for storing short ARs and similar-sized guns.
• Use a staple gun to line the underside of these shelves with the Rifle Rod Kit’s included loop fabric.
• Shelf liner will only be required for shelves that are intended to support long guns.

Organization and Final Layout

This is the most rewarding part of the project! Utilize Gun Storage Solutions products to organize your rifles, handguns, and magazines.

• Rifle Organization: Since you have developed a Velcro-compatible interior, you can now use Rifle Rods to organize your long guns efficiently.
• Handgun & Magazine Organization: Once your rifles are arranged, maximize the remaining space by adding Handgun Hangers and MagMinders, working off of the installed shelves.

Rifle Rods Layout Tips!

While you are the expert on your own gun collection, our extensive experience with safe makeovers and customer photos means we've learned all the best practices—and the common mistakes—for organization. These tips will help you utilize your space in a way that is both efficient and user-friendly.

• For Maximum Space Efficiency:

• Create front-to-back rows for your firearms.
• Place guns with iron sights against the back wall to avoid wasted space.
• Position scoped rifles in the middle rows, allowing the scopes to nest between the guns in front and behind.

• For Accommodating Varying Gun Lengths/Heights:

• Keep the shelf above the long guns as low as possible.
• Group firearms of similar height together and size secondary shelves accordingly
1. Cantilever shelving is our preferred solution for accommodating items of varying lengths.
• If the Rifle Rod does not reach at least halfway down the gun's barrel, use a spacer (e.g., a custom shelf, ammo can) underneath the firearm to elevate it.