Message # 5344 Our 1st few machines were slow going. We called Alan to ask a question as the instructions said to do if you had ANY questions. He got back to us within 5 minutes. Once we got a few done, we had no problems, and I think they are the best addition to my clubs in a long time. My machines are truly better then new and my members continue to thank me literally on a daily basis. Sorry to hear you had such a difficult time. Nancy L. Pawlik Berlin/Plymouth WI

Message # Which brings me to the final point. We installed Alan's bronze bushings on all of our machines. They now operate as smooth as glass. As far as I am concerned, we have done everything within our power to ensure that our circuit is functioning the best that it can be. Hope this information is helpful to you. Verna Korkie Canmore, Alberta, Canada

Message 10219 Alan...this one's for you....the man who services my machines came in on Sat. and put the bronze bushings on all of them, cleaned them up, changed up some of the pistons, etc. My girls came in yesterday and today and they are dying. I stood out on the middle of the circuit tonight and was laughing so hard inside of myself that i almost...well you know....lLOLOLOLOL... thanks for the bushings Alan. Between that and putting on the new stuff from the Discovery Trekking Co., our 3+ year old equipment looks and feels brand new and I am very pleased. I am going to wait the 90 days at my new club so as not to jeopardize the 90 day warranty on the equipment by putting on the bushings before we open. Thanks again. Hilary in PA

Hillary,

I am happy to hear how well the bronze bushings are working. About 550 clubs are now using the bronze bushings.

To lubricate the hydriodic cylinder mounting pins I have found a commercial white grease that does not squeeze out or turn ugly black. It has been tested by a number of owners and has been lasting 4-6 months. Using this grease further reduces your maintenance work and eliminates the ugly black mess around the cylinder mounting pins. It cost $10 for a large tube.

My husband also spent all last weekend putting Alan's bushings on the machines. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! There is no wobble, they are very smooth and increased resistance! My members love it and are now glad to be going around twice :-) Julie/Hood River, Or. and soon...White Salmon, Wa.

Yes Alan's Bushings are the best and we can not say enough about the improvement and we have been using them since November 2002 in Sidney (800 members), the machines are better then new.Don Marshall Sidney & Oak Bay by the SEA!

We installed them ourselves (my husband and I) and it took us about 6 hours for 8 machines. We did the first 6 machines one Saturday and then came back the next week and did the other two (squat and leg press). My suggestion is to find a friend who is a mechanic, plumber, welder, trades person of some sort. My husband, who did most of the work, is a tool and die guy. Taking apart the machine is very easy. What you need is someone just understands "reaming bushings". And the tool that is provided does just that, it's just alot of twisting of the wrist. It really isn't that difficult once you get past the first one. Sherri

Saxonburg, PA

Message # I just installed them this past weekend (btw, they make a big difference! Thanks, Alan!). I had my brother in law help me and it took us about 4 hours. They are not that hard to do - after we worked together on the first one, I was able to do the ab/back, squat, chest/back, and oblique by myself while he worked on the others. I think it's quite possible to do them alone if you have any kind of mechanical skill at all - the only time it was really necessary to have two was to re-assemble a few of them. It was hard to line up the holes, insert the bolts and hold the awkward handles in place all alone. So if you give yourself time, go slow and just call someone to help at the end for maybe 30 minutes worth of re-assemble time you could actually do it yourself. Make sure to read the directions first and really understand what you are doing before you start! It all becomes clear after the first machine. One warning - after reaming two or three, I was feeling it on my palms and wore leather gloves to protect my hands for the rest. Good luck! Mary Bastrop, TX

Message # I agree, after the first machine I found it easy. It only sounds hard because Alan has taken such thorough care to describe the steps and every possible difficulty. Any reason you have to do them all at the same time? Do one, maybe, then six or eight another weekend, and so on... One correction: Alan and Driftwood Solutions make self-lubricating bronze (not brass) bushings, permanently impregnated with oil by some vacuum process during manufacture. The brass (not bronze) bushings, as I understand it, are harder to install, require drilling, are still a little loose and wobbly, and still have to be greased. Go bronze. Our staff and members love it. John Hicks Marlboro and Hudson New York TrimFitWell.com

Thanks to Allen for being patient with me yesterday! My owner had someone install the bronze bushings a couple of months ago and whoever it was didn't put the oblique machine back together the right way. After having numerous problems with it I called Allen and he spent at least an hour or two on the phone with me while I was in the middle of the floor taking this machine apart. It was a sight to see let me tell ya! I barely know what a wrench is and he got me through the whole thing! Now my oblique is working fine, if I could get the grease out of under my finger nails I would be in great shape!

If you haven’t ordered the bronze bushings, you shouldn't waist another minute! They are wonderful! And Allen is wonderful! Just make sure whoever installs them follows the enclosed instructions to the T. Thanks again Allen! Kelsi @Temple, TX

Great to hear Kelsi, I have just ordered all the bushings and I have 16 machines and am a bit nervous since I am the "handy women" around the joint. It is comforting going into this that help is just a call away!! As for the grease under the nails I'm right there with ya babe!! Susan Flin Flon Mb Canada

Message # We installed them in one of my clubs yesterday (great mother's day activity...). It took us 9 hours (well, okay, we had a lunch break in there). Picture this: my two guys (family members whose names will be changed to protect the guilty), John and Pete, are both engineers, who know it all. While I had dutifully read through the entire instruction book the day before (as suggested), they did not. Actually, I don't think John even peeked at the book beyond checking the list of what to bring.

Picture John as a slightly older Tim the Tool Man Taylor: he could do this his way, with no instructions, and with power tools. UGH. I was so worried that he would ruin the bushings, or put the machines temporarily out of order, or whatever. Fortunately Pete was willing to at least peruse the instruction book before starting, and John more-or-less acquiesced on most issues. I tried not to get involved for fear that I'd kill one or both of them (meanwhile I was taking off the cylinders on all the machines, cleaning off the yucky old grease and brushing [yes, brushing!!!] on the new stuff that is supposed to last longer and not turn black). I couldn't help myself...occasionally I'd overhear some comment and I'd call out: "That problem is mentioned in the booklet...it tells you what to do!" (They ignored me.)

At the end of the day, the machines were miraculously working great and we were all speaking to each other. By the way, I think the under-read instruction book was very good. marcia nj

Response: I didn't have the luxury of having someone else to do the job. I couldn't get my husband to help me because he has been out of town a lot. I really didn't want his help, because he's been known to do maintenance with a can of "3 in 1 oil", not like the video says to do it!! I have taken my time and am still working at it to do it myself. (What's the rush?!) My 15 year daughter was around a couple weekends to help me hold things in place. It takes me about 2-3 hours total per machine. One machine took a much shorter time. I didn't work on Mother's Day weekend. It's been about 3 weeks since I started and I've gotten 7 done. I do very little during the week since we close at 8 pm. I've got three more machines to do...then I'll order another set for my other club.

Response: I'm mechanically challenged, but, I'm not stupid. I can read and do what it says. I called Alan once, the first day...because I didn't know what that "tool" thing was or what I was supposed to do with it. So, I say, anybody can do this! By the way, I agree with you that after the first couple of machines, you understand what you are doing... but, it still takes time. I'll admit, a lot of my time is spent removing the old stuff. Some of those plastic bushing don't want to come out and the black grease is a mess. I'm using mineral spirits to remove it. :) When the bronze bushing doesn't fit during the first "shaving", I usually get it to fit the second time. I say get rid of the machine man and do it yourself for free! Cynthia Warner Robins, GA

Response: My husband (who is not mechanical at all!), my son and a friend (who are both the kind not to read instructions) did 12 machines in 8 hours. It cost me nothing extra. I guess what I'm trying to say is none of my guys are "experts" and got it done. Julie/Hood River, Or. and Bingen, Wa.

Response: I did 12 machines with my better half (he's watching me type this, I had to say that!) and we got it done in about 8 hours too. Randy may be a nice guy, and well worth the money, but @ $25 an hour I'd say thanks for the help so far and do it myself with a friend, or family member that cost you nothing but lunch and maybe a nice trip out to dinner afterwards. Nancy L. Pawlik Berlin/Plymouth WI

Response: Hi everyone - when I did these, by myself, it took me about an hour per machine once I got the hang of it. I think that the critical thing is that you are using "one of us as a helper to hold the pieces." I could not imagine doing this job with a person trying to hold the pieces (most of which are ungainly and heavy) steady while trying to ream out the bushings. Too wiggly and would take way too much physical effort and time. I used a standard "workmate" type portable workbench: the one where the top splits in half and can be used to clamp things in place while working on them. I think that this is where you're losing all your time. One person can work on reaming out and re-testing each pair of bushings while the other can be dis-assembling/cleaning and re-assembling machines. Good luck - hope this advice makes sense and helps you out! Cameron Bryce Curves, Pickering, ON

Response: We replacing the bushings in one of our clubs about 3 months ago. With 13 machines it took me about 9 to 10 hours total and I had a helper for about 4 or 5 hours. It really goes a lot faster when you have someone to hold the parts for the bushing installation. Some of them are quite awkward. I actually used a workmate table to help me hold the parts (this was especially helpful when I didn't have a helper). My biggest set back was that the wooden handle broke that holds the bushing shaver and I had to run to Home Depot and buy a couple of hose clamps to keep the handle together. At the outside, it shouldn't take more than one hour per machine if that.Tony Binkley Curves of Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, Clinton, TN

Response: I'm sure you love your maintenance man and he is a great guy to you and he takes care of all of your breaks and need oils things but I can honestly tell you that I never put a brass bushing in anything in my life and I completed a 12 machine store all by myself in 6 hours. And that included set up and clean up. And I can also honesly tell you that the first machine took a better part of an hour only because I did not want to mess it up and I am a slow reader. At the rate that you guys are going Gary should have a retro set of machines for sale. Take it for what it is but it should not take that long. Kip Gross Curves For Women North & South Moreno Valley, Ca

Just a note - I had the bronze bushings installed (Alan and Peggy in Dripping Spring can tell you about them) and the response in the club has been very positive. No more squeeks, better resistance on the machines and the members noticed the difference immediately. angee - Parmer Lane

Message: Can anyone give a testimony of Alan's Bronze bushings that has had them longer than 6 mos? Thanks, Randall in San Jose X2

Response: Hi Randall, We have Sidney with 10 machines, all 1 1/2 years use with these bushings and very pleased but the oblique is the one machine that shines with Bronze bushings all other Clubs in our area have very poor Oblique machines because of worn plastic bushings. Our Oak Bay Club is 9 months old and we installed these Bronze bushings before we opened plus I have just about completed the installation of grease nipples in all the cylinder end mounts, this will totally complete my reduction of monthly service to a few pumps from a grease gun and checking wear and tear of rollers and cushions.Don Marshall Sidney & Oak Bay by the SEA!

Response: I've had the bronze bushing for over a year now. I think I may have been one of the first. I am very satisfied and I am getting ready to install them on my brand new equipment at the new location (opened 6 weeks ago). The bushings work beautifully. Ruth Tobey Georgetown, TX

Message: Well group I have finally started to get my bushings installed & here is an outline for all who would like to know: Called in the "big gun" to help me (my Daddy) Started at 9:30am this morning ended at 12:30 the grand total.....(drum roll please).... 6 machines done. I have 16 machines so are going for broke and going to finish tomorrow. Everything went really well. The biggest time saver is having a grommel(?) sander it was a big time saver. Basically I took the machine apart then we took the handle & set it up in the workbench and my Dad started to make it all fit, while I cleaned the machine and hydraulics and then started to take the next machine apart. I would put the first one back together while my Dad would start on the next one I had taken apart. It worked out very well. Unless we had another sizing tool thing it was a 2 man job. We had only one AB/Back where the bushings fit without adjusting otherwise they all needed to be sized abit. All in all it was not that bad at all, got to spend the morning with my favorite guy and did some good work. Will let you know how tomorrow goes in .......Part 2 - The Bushing Saga Susan Flin Flon Mb Canada

Message: Well ta da it is done!!!! All of my bushing are installed. Today my Dad and I met at 9am and we were done at 1:30. Total time for all my 16 machines.....7.5 hrs. Not bad for a blonde and retired guy eh? Just to worn you all that the pec deck and the leg curl were the 2 hardest and longest to do. Otherwise they all took about the same time. Less than half an hour per machine whoopi!!! I still have some long weekend left to enjoy and since it is "Girls night out" tonight I'm thinking of doing some celebrating and since tomorrow is my birthday why not!! P.S. My nails are the only thing not happy right now. I have mechanic hands. Susan Flin FLon Mb Canada

Message: Just wanted to report how much improvement we now have in the equipment since installing Alan's bushings. No more wiggley Oblique, great stiff resistance, and no squeaks! The white non-turning black grease will make our life a bit better. Thank you Alan, for developing this product. Cheers, Ruth Tobey Georgetown, TX

Message: Hi Ruth, You are so right, Alan has made an awesome difference in the quality of the workout we can now offer our members. "Thank you" Alan is echoed here in our Clubs. Don Marshall Sidney & Oak Bay by the SEA!

Anybody know why corporate hasn't jumped on this? my only question would be: is there something negative about these that they know that we don't? I am pretty sure that the answer is no, but I am trying to be open minded. For the record, we use the bronze bushings as well and are very happy with them. brad steinberg c u r v e s cedar center shaker heights

Brad, I spoke with ecological at convention and asked them their thoughts on the bushings. They chose to have no comment officially but stated that the reason they didn't offer a similar product was because they felt it was too hard for a woman owner who was unable to get help to install the bushings. We have installed the bushings at 3 of our 5 clubs and have nothing but praise for the bushings and the non-blackening grease. I would like to add for multiple club owners that the installation gets easier and easier once you have done the installation repeatedly. Very glad we made the investment and spent the time. Paul Waterboro, Wells, Gorham Arundel Maine

LOL…good to know chauvinism is alive and well in the organizations that are purported to support women-owned businesses. Natalie in MD/DC

RE: anybody know why corporate hasn't jumped on this? ///use bronze bushings///

Ummmmmmmmmm my guess would be COST!? Hopefully Alan has them copyrighted!!!!! Nancy L. Pawlik Berlin/Plymouth WI

RE...LOL...good to know chauvinism is alive and well in the organizations that are purported to support women-owned businesses. LOL Natalie,

You took the words right outta my fingers! I, me, myself! Do ALL the maintenance on ALL of my machines in my clubs. Although John helped me install them (bronze bushings) in the 1st club, because we are partners, he never for one second thought I couldn't handle it myself! Alan made the instructions VERY easy to follow! And JEEZE I could even read them without some "man" helping me! LOL NO Offense guys, I just find that answer from ES/CI humerous! Here they have hundreds of THOUSANDS of women who own their businesses and run them everyday successfully and they don't think we can handle that? Not to mention, if they CAME installed it wouldn't even BE an issue! TOO FUNNY! Nancy L. Pawlik Berlin/Plymouth WI

As far as the installation of Alan's bushings are concerned, when I was in Temple,TX...whoever (a man) installed them first did it wrong on some of the machines, and I (a woman) had to call Alan and we fixed the problem over the phone. No, it wasn't the easiest thing in the world, but a woman fixed a man's mess up. Not meaning to offend any men out there, but it can happen! Glad to be up and posting again! Kelsi Now in Georgetown TX WOO HOO!

I'm sure,(since I was there),that the gentlemans comment from Ecological wasn't intended to be chauvanistic(sp?). ECo. and Curves know their franchisee's. Even if they didn't mail them out and make you install them, just making them available would put pressure on clubs to get them. "I heard the Curves the next town over just got the Bronze Bushings". In front of a full circuit of course! Installing the bushings is as simple as 1229cd3914966$10049 (anyone?). But I wouldn't say it was easy physically. 5-6 hours is every bit true. that's non stop. I've done three clubs(34 machines), 2 stores left to go. My Mom helped me with two of the clubs and it's not something I would have wanted her to do by herself. Hope that doesn't make me chauvanistic! I am glad you ladies had fun with it though. I felt like I was working the circuit in one of my clubs( boy did I get barbed about being a man!).

Product comments: Bushings are fantastic. I'm glad Alan is able to be the seller of this product. He offers great customer service and his directions that come with the bushings are clear as could be.

Alan, it's very good to know the reasons why your bronze versions are superior to the lowly brass! I suggest in answer to somebody's request for a name change to avoid all the confusion between brass and bronze, that we call yours "Alan's Great Invention" or the "Super Duper No-more-maintenance Model". Or how about the "Smoother Pushing Bushing"? Happy Memorial Weekend , everyone! Mary Bastrop, TX

So after installing the bushings on the long weekend (Victoria's Day for us Canadians) we were closed for the long weekend, so my members had 3 days off. Well Tuesday morning I didn't say anything about the bushings I wanted to see if they would feel the difference. It was pretty funny. They did notice a difference but they all thought it was because they had a long weekend and were just weak from too many days off. They are all loving the feel of the machines. Although most find the pec/dec the most changed and the hardest. I was worried that maybe it was too tight and would have to redo the bushings, but most of my members who complain are just very weak in that area to start with and found it hard before. 99% are just complaining to me that I am always making them sweat and that this just proves their point. Yay for the bushings! Susan Flin Flon Mb Canada

RE: I am a little nervous because of ruining the machine.

Sandra, We had NO PROBLEMS installing the bushings. When we got stuck with one (the 1st) we called Alan and in minutes he walked us through what to do. He's VERY helpful and patient with what you may have questions on.

RE: I am asking if anyone has put them in and had any problems, or any kind of feed back I would appreciate.

My only comments are LOVE EM, LOVE EM, LOVE EM! I have cut down my having to spend time on maintenance to almost ZERO! The machines are tighter then they were when we got them brand new from Curves almost 3 years ago.

RE: I am having my monthly maintenance kid install them. Is it easy? Yes, if you follow the instructions AND call Alan if you get stuck.

I have heard that they squeak more. True or false? Totally False. The only thing that might squeak now are the pins that the pistons connect to. They still need to be greased. Nancy L. Pawlik Berlin/Plymouth WI

My husband installed the bushings three weeks ago, and the machines are now tighter than they were when they were brand new. Up to this point, he serviced the machines every three months (for nearly 5 years), and they still kept loosening almost immediately. This is so great, I can't believe it. So, don't be nervous - you won't be sorry. auburncurves1999

From my experience of doing the maintenance every three months... get those self lubricating bushings from Alan. I just replaced them in my second Curves this past week. Also get the grease from Alan too. It won't turn black and lasts longer. Cynthia Warner Robins, GA

Sandra, my husband just installed these bushings at the Curves I manage. He charged to owner $250 for install. It took him about 6.5 hours to do all 12 machines. Obviously, the price might be slightly less for less machines. He's hoping to be able to offer this service to anyone else in the Metro Atlanta Georgia area. The bushings really have made our machines more "stable". Not as much play in them as before. Vickie Johnson

kkopka Jul-1-2004 3:58 PM Bronze Bushings- If you have not done so, purchase the bronze bushings for your machines. I finished the last of 21 machines today, and am looking forward to maintenance- free weekends. Thank you Alan

Don_Marshall Jul-1-2004 6:22 PM Ken I know how you feel, and I have also converted all our machines in both Clubs and I am now doing the jerk fittings on the last of the cylinders. I love it, Sidney will be 2 years old and I rarely have to do more then a little squirt of grease once every second month. Alan is #1 in my books. Don Marshall

References: Most Curves Owners would be happy to discuss their experience with these self-lubricating bushings. For specific names and telephone numbers of Curves Clubs in your state/area please call Driftwood Solutions. 800-398-5693 or 512-858-0133