Advice/insight needed on restoring a used Model D

[tlead]

Hi! I am extremely happy to say that I just purchased a used rower! I have been looking for what feels like years...and, in some ways, that isn't entirely an exaggeration.

So, while stalking my local craigslist, I came across an ad for a used Model D. The asking price was $295. I emailed the seller immediately, and he responded a few hours later. Knowing how quickly they sell, I simply said that I wanted to buy his machine and asked if I could pick it up the following day. In his response, he indicated receiving many inquires, but that I was the "First," and, therefore, had first dibs. Needless to say I was ecstatic. Not only was I FINALLY the first respondent, but I was really happy to be dealing with someone who was so fair about it.

We made arrangements, and I drove about 40 min to pick up his machine. He was a slender, middle-aged gentleman, with a gorgeous home. He told me that he was moving out-of-state, and was trying to get rid of the things he didn't use/want to take with them.

I got on the rower, and rowed for a few seconds. It seemed ok, but I had actually never been on one before. Good enough for me though,and so I handed him 3 crisp, one-hundred dollar bills. I couldn't get home fast enough!

I noticed while I was there that it was kind of dirty, and dusty. I figured it was just sitting around not being used. Once I got it home I realized that it was a D1. I knew there was an issue with metal fatigue on some of the earlier Ds, so I looked for the serial number to see if I was about to regret not being my usual detail-oriented/questioning self. He had told me while we were in his workout room that he had been doing work in Vermont when he purchased the machine, and had actually bought it directly from Concept 2 - which I thought was pretty cool/interesting. So I took a look at the serial number and saw that it was built in October of '03 - had to be one of the first few hundred built I assumed? It was outside of the metal fatigue date-range, and I didn't see anything to indicate any issue with that.

But, anyway, I did some research and cleaned it up pretty good. I wiped it down, oiled the chain, and I even took the flywheel cover off and painstakingly wiped the dust build-up off of each blade on the fan. I did notice when reattaching the flywheel cover that the opposite side of the plastic housing had a small crack near the screw that is closest to the angled part of the rail. This concerns me...

The only issue I am having is that there seems to be some vibrations in the chain or some part of the chain apparatus when pulling - and some vibration even on the retraction. I am not sure if this is "normal" or if it is something that needs to be addressed. I would like it to be as smooth as possible. I also experience some vibration in the seat during exercise that I am not sure about either. The seat rollers are black. I believe they should be white? Are they covered in gunk from never cleaning, or were the initial rollers black?

It is an old machine and from what I can tell/what the seller told me, he did not do any maintenance on it. I know that he never oiled the chain. So, I would appreciate some help/insight into what I should do to get this badass machine back into pristine shape!

Also, I know there is some debate about the D1 vs D2 as far as what to buy (or not to buy). But without the dreaded metal fatigue problem, and given the price I paid, I feel like it was a pretty good buy?? Any info or opinion(s) are quite welcome!

[jackarabit]

Even at 3 bills out the door, I hope your model D requires only minimal parts replacement and maybe a light strip and clean. If the monitor functions properly, probably worth it. Restoration is usually reserved for things that have a very high monetary or social valuation (Mona Lisa), fads (panhead Harleys), and antiquities (Joan Rivers). Perhaps the C2 model A is approaching thrift shop curiosity status but a model D should need only an infrequent overhaul to remain a desirable exercise machine.

Jack

[tlead]

Thanks for the reply, Jack.

The monitor seems to be in good shape (has worked fine so far without any issues). I'm pretty sure it needs a serious firmware update, though. I wasn't able to see the lifetime meters. It says that it is 'Ver 61' in the 'Utilities -> Product id' screen. I don't have any wires to connect it to anything, so that is definitely something I will need to get.

You seem to object to the term restore in this context. So, for the sake of clarity: I am just looking for some help with how to go about retrofitting the maintenance that has gone undone/replacing anything that said lack of maintenance would require. I thought providing some details into what I could see/feel might help with getting some specific insight into what might be the best way to (at least) start. But like I said, I know next to nothing about what a proper stroke should feel like. I am just assuming that with its age, lack of any maintenance, and uncertainty regarding the amount it's been used, that it has some things that need a bit of TLC.

I'll probably attempt to give the chain an actual cleaning and subsequent re-oiling to begin, and maybe replace the seat rollers. I am concerned about trying to replace the back of the plastic flywheel housing (where the small crack is) because I'm afraid it involves more work/skill than I currently have (since, the flywheel itself looks to be attached to it). I don't mind spending a few extra bucks if it will help ensure the longevity of the machine.

Tim

[jackarabit]

Your best resource for info on adjustment, maintenance, and parts availability and replacement is the C2 website. Likewise firmware updates for the PM. The only cable you need for firmware upload and downloading workouts to computer spreadsheet or C2 online logbook is a USB printer cable for PC. Once again, all required information is at C2. The indexing of that site may seem both ponderous and piecemeal to the first time visitor but persistence will turn up most of what you need to know to get your machine spinning. Don't delay learning to row on the erg. The crucial restoration and maintenance occurs when you jump on and row!

[c2jonw]

Tlead, Sounds like you got a good deal and with a little cleaning and oiling it will serve you for many years. The first D1s (with welded aluminum footplates) did not have a metal fatigue problem. That happened later when we redesigned the frame to accommodate the hollow plastic footplates.
I would not worry too much about the crack in the plastic- if it will make you feel better you could wick in a bit of Crazy Glue. Most likely the damage happened when the machine was originally shipped.
Seat rollers were black for quite a while- that was an MDS-filled Nylon- very rugged stuff.
Even if the chain is quite rusty or dirty you probably don't need to remove it- wipe it down thoroughly with a solvent such as WD40 to get it as clean as you can then lubricate with a 20 weight oil, such as 3 in One Oil.
Clean the monorail and rollers with a household cleaner such as Windex or 409. Spray the monorail and roll the seat back and forth to get all surfaces damp, then wipe everything clean- hold a rag against the seat rollers as you push the seat away from the rag.
Not sure about the vibrations you are detecting. If you have access to another machine or if you know someone who has been on a C2 machine before you might be able to do some comparisons. Or you could post a video here.
Good luck with it......C2JonW

[sekitori]

I have a D1 which I purchased in late 2003. I performed only the usual maintenance and replaced the top rollers every two or three years when the bearings became a bit noisy. It performed without problems until about a year ago when I noticed some sort of vibrations which seemed to occur primarily under the seat and along the monorail. I tried the usual fix--replacing the top rollers. That surprisingly was of no help. I also replaced the bottom rollers even though I knew they had nothing to do with this. I had no idea what else to do to correct this. Neither did anyone at C2. Then I stumbled on the apparent cause. I hardly ever take the monorail and flywheel sections apart but when I did this time, I noticed that the locking wheel, while seeming to be firm, was a bit easier to release than usual. I tried to be sure that the wheel was securely locked in place the previous time I put the two parts together but it apparently wasn't. It had worked slightly loose over time. When I put them together again, I made certain that the monorail and the flywheel section were locked together as firmly as possible. After I did so, the vibration was gone. I still occasionally check the locking wheel to be certain that it's tightly in place. So far, it has been and the problem has not recurred.

The D1 and D2 differ basically due to cosmetics, redesigned foot stretchers, and an updated frame lock mechanism. The old cosmetics and foot stretchers are perfectly okay on my D1. The only real advancement of the D2 is the locking mechanism which I believe is inherently more secure than that of the D1. However, if you rotate the D1 locking wheel so that it's as tight as possible and occasionally keep checking that it is, it should be perfectly okay.

Your feeling of vibrations may have nothing to do with the D1 locking mechanism. But since I had a problem because mine seemed to loosen up very slightly, it may be worth taking a look at.

[tlead]

Thanks guys, for all of the info/help!

Because I am so limited with space, I do have to put it together, and then break it back down each time I row. (Hopefully it was designed to handle such frequent de- and re- attachment). So, I will keep my eye on the locking wheel, sekitori, and make sure that it's firmly in place before starting to pull. Thanks for that!


C2jonw,

Firstly, thanks a lot for the information! Glad to know the rollers are actually black, and not just caked with row-grime.
I had thought about trying to apply some crazy glue to that crack, but I was afraid to do anything without some feedback from someone who knows better (than me). Funny enough, I just found an unopened vile of Gorilla crazy glue in my closet. That should do the trick. I'll also run WD40 over the chain to clean it up. Then, I'll apply the oil (luckily the seller gave me the bottle he got when he purchased the rower - for some reason using the Concept 2 oil feels better). Unfortunately, I don't think I know anyone who could help me as far as feeling out the stroke and telling me if it's 'normal' or something that needs to be addressed. If I can make a vid that is useful for you to try and listen to, I will gladly post it for some possible feedback. It's more of a feel thing, but I may be able to figure something out. I appreciate you offering to listen!


And Jack...I am sure that you are 100% right about that!

[c2jonw]

tlead, Glad to be of help. Certainly post a vid or PM me at jonw@concept2.com and I'll give a listen. The Frame Lock was certainly designed for regular use, and it has a tendency to self tighten as it is being used. In heavy use or misuse situations this self tightening can lead to it being very tight and difficult to release. C2JonW

[sekitori]

The Frame Lock was certainly designed for regular use, and it has a tendency to self tighten as it is being used.

Does this self-tightening feature refer to the rotary frame lock on the D1? My problem concerning the mild vibration I encountered occurred right after I separated the two parts and then put them together. When I did so, I apparently did not tighten the frame lock as securely as I could have. Does your comment mean that if I left the locking mechanism untouched, it eventually would have tightened and the problem would have gone away on its own?

Even if that was the case, my previous experience taught me to make that connection as tight as possible. I wish the D2 frame lock could be retrofitted to my D1, but such is not the case.

[c2jonw]

Yes, I was referring to the rotary frame lock and its certainly possible that you are detecting something different going on when the lock is not fully tightened. C2JonW