An auto rotisserie is a robust metal framework that allows you to mount a car body or frame off the ground for ease of restoration. An auto rotisserie is adjustable to accommodate many different lengths of automobile bodies or frames. Swiveling heads on either end of the rotisserie allow you to rotate the vehicle's structure 360 degrees, making restoration and repairs to the underside much easier and safer.
Apply lithium grease with a spray can to all sliding parts of the rotisserie to ensure smooth operation. Raise one end of the vehicle to be attached to the rotisserie with a floor jack. Place jack stands under each frame rail. Lower the floor jack and move it to the other end of the vehicle. Support this end of the vehicle with jack stands in the same fashion. Remove the floor jack from under the vehicle.
Roll each half of the rotisserie to each end of the vehicle. Slide the outer connector tubes on each end of the rotisserie to the inner connector tube. Do not tighten the bolts on the outer connector tubes until both ends of the rotisserie have been attached to the vehicle.
Attach the rotisserie to the vehicle at the bumper attachment points or the frame rails, depending on your vehicle. Run grade 8 bolts (standard with most rotisseries) through the mounting holes in the rotisserie swing arms and through the bumper bracket or frame rail. Secure the bolts with grade 8 washers and nuts tightened with an adjustable wrench. Repeat this procedure for the opposite end of the vehicle.
Ensure both ends of the rotisserie are parallel to each other. Tighten the bolts on the outer connector tubes of both sides of the rotisserie with an adjustable wrench. Insert the jack handle into the hydraulic lifting cylinder on one end of the rotisserie. Pump the handle to raise the vehicle just high enough to remove the jack stands on that end. Move to the opposite side of the vehicle and repeat this procedure.
Balance the vehicle on the rotisserie to allow it to be turned 360 degrees by hand. Test the balance by trying to swing the vehicle. Raise the swing arm, which is located at the top of the hydraulic cylinder, with a sock and ratchet if the vehicle is bottom heavy. Loosen the balance rod just enough to allow the swing arms to be rotated with an adjustable wrench. Raise the swing arms on each end of the rotisseries equally one bolt hole at a time. Test the balance by swinging the vehicle. Continue making adjustments until the vehicle is balanced (not top or bottom heavy) and can be swung easily.
