New User, w/ a beat up Model C

[nebulight]

My wife had expressed interest in rowing so we were researching different rowers to get. Her father owns a gym and had an older Concept 2 model C that wasn't being used that he offered to us for free! However it was in pretty rough shape. The chain is basically orange from rust, the damper handle was broken, and it has rust all over the flywheel screen (the round one around the outer parameter), missing bolts here are there and no PM screen. I ordered the following to rehab it:

PM5 Retro Kit


Chain Axle Sprocket Replacement Kit Model C


Maintenance Kit—Model C


Handle Retrofit Kit—Model B,C


Frame Lock and Hardware


Damper Replacement Kit


Handle U-bolt with Nuts—Model A, B, C


And other miscellaneous bolts and washers to replace the ones that are missing. The instructions on the site seems pretty straight forward for installation but I have a few questions about rehabbing this unit. The seat is actually in good condition but it wobbles a bit. When I called Concept 2, they thought that the maintience kit should be enough however in rare cases, the seat frame might be needed. Is that common? Also, is it safe to repaint the mesh as it has a lot of rust spots on there. I could get a repalcement unit, but at $40 I thought I would just give it a good sand and repaint it. Also is the frame able to be repainted easily if I have the machine apart for all the replacement parts? It has some minor rust spots here and there.

Thanks.

[Bichonator]

Hi

I also went down the second hand rusted rower pathway and have just given in and bought a new one however don't be disheartened by this I just didn't have the enthusiasm (or as a lightweight female the strength) for replacing all the parts needed. As I replaced one thing another broke. Looking at your list of replacement items and your plans I think it'll come right.
I would say I found some of the parts were well fused together it felt like they were going to break rather than come apart but come apart they must so some serious muscle had to be brought in to pull the stuff apart. I found the instructions well detailed and quite confusing but I think perhaps I don't have that type of mind so more than one or two frustrated expletives escaped my lips! Perserverence however meant the intructions did eventually make sense.
As for the repaint yep the visible parts repaint well with spray paint, take care when spraying the flywheel cover holes not to clog with paint or you'll have an extra dampner effect you might not like.
Perhaps overall my experience wasn't as good as it could of been but I can say I discovered I love rowing and am enjoying the benefits.
Good luck. Love to hear how you get on.

[jag]

When I called Concept 2, they thought that the maintience kit should be enough however in rare cases, the seat frame might be needed. Is that common? Also, is it safe to repaint the mesh as it has a lot of rust spots on there. I could get a repalcement unit, but at $40 I thought I would just give it a good sand and repaint it. Also is the frame able to be repainted easily if I have the machine apart for all the replacement parts? It has some minor rust spots here and there.

The seat frame is a very solid piece of steel and would be very hard to damage, so I think the maintenance kit with replacement bearings should be all you need - the bearings last a surprisingly long time but can give out eventually. You should check the four screws that secure the seat to the seat frame - if those are loose or missing that can also cause the seat to wobble. I agree with the previous poster that respray with a can of spray paint works well - her advice about not plugging the holes is critical. It looks like it will take you a few hours but you'll have an awesome machine when you're through.

[nebulight]

My parts arrived! I think I'm going to document the process.