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How can I get a payphone?

Started by Bird333, January 21, 2025, 02:13:48 PM

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Bird333

Who would I need to talk to for getting an out of service payphone?  I mean is there a person (particular title) to contact at the phone company about getting one?  I would like to buy one cheaper than like $400.  Any advice is appreciated. 

tubaman

I'm pretty sure the phone company won't be selling them so your options are really the likes of eBay, Craigslist, yard sales, antique shops etc.

rdelius

When you find one make sure the keys are with it.The telephone companies got out of the business 25 or more years ago. Watch out for 3 slot paystations with reproduction WE housings and AE parts.

HarrySmith

I would echo the warnings about repros, fakes and the like. If you find one please ask here before making the purchase. Maybe one of our members will step up with one for sale? Also you can ask on the phone clubs websites or email lists; ATCA or TCI.
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

Bird333

Thanks for the advice.  What exactly is ATCA and TCI?  What are some recommended phone club websites?


Bird333

Oh, how many keys should come with a phone.  I want like a mid -80's (?) plain old silver and black touch-tone, rectangular phone.  What model is that?  I'm sure it has a name.

HarrySmith

There is plenty of the Touch Tone Payphones on eBay. There should be an upper housing key and one for the vault. Some of the later models also have a "T" key.

Again, ask here before making a purchase.
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

TelePlay


Bird333

That first picture (personal payphone) is the one I want.  Does it have a model number?

HarrySmith

He states in his listings that the phone pictured may not be the one you get, different models and different features. I would ask what is available through the website if you want model numbers.
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

TelePlay

Quote from: Bird333 on January 24, 2025, 09:38:15 AMDoes it have a model number?

Yes, "Personal Payphone"

As Harry said, you could ask for more information including images of the one that they will ship. The item description states variations may occur (these are probably pulled off of streets and out of buildings "as is" and most of the time finding two that are cosmetically the same would be the exception).

There are 4 option boxes to check before adding it to your cart, which looks like this:


HarrySmith

Thanks for mentioning the options. I meant to do that. The biggest one is lock & keys. The website states it has a "T" key but no locks. You did mention locks & keys IIRC, so that will cost more.
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

poplar1

Quote from: TelePlay on January 24, 2025, 11:01:13 AMYes, "Personal Payphone"

As Harry said, you could ask for more information including images of the one that they will ship. The item description states variations may occur (these are probably pulled off of streets and out of buildings "as is" and most of the time finding two that are cosmetically the same would be the exception).

There are 4 option boxes to check before adding it to your cart, which looks like this:



The $289 personal payphone has new paint (or excellent existing paint) and good chrome (or rechromed). The as-removed-from-service cosmetics are on the $249 personal payphone.

If you think you want locks, you might be better off getting the $339 phone, which also has the smart board and locks so that you can charge for calls.

The personal payphone does  not have locks, unless you pay an extra $59.90. The phone will stay together without locks.

Mets-en, c'est pas de l'onguent!

"C'est pas une restauration, c'est une rénovation."--François Martin.

TelePlay

The seller is calling that type of phone he is selling a "personal payphone."

It originally had a trade name like "Centurion."

It had a manufacturer's model/part number used to specify the general phone type or style and specific items or options ordered by the customer/operating company.

Since this phone has been modified to work as a personal phone, and you must likely will not be trying to convert it back into a coin collecting payphone, the model numbers, everything other than the "trade name" is irrelevant.

Others who know payphones can give us the trade name of this payphone.