DIY - Auto Rotisseries - Thoughts? Links?

[goodysgotacuda]

I am interested in building an auto rotisserie for the restoration of my '72 'Cuda.

Buying one for $1,000 is a bit steep given I can weld/fabricate just fine and am looking to save a little money.

I plan on using this rotisserie once, so bells and whistles, powder coating, etc aren't necessarily a priority as I will likely just craigslist it once I am through with it and move on. So goal #1 is safety, goal #2 is it needs to work...that's it.


I've come across this, seems pretty reasonable.

http://redwingsteelworksplans.com/w...teel-Works-Auto-Rotisserie-Plans-10242012.pdf

However, I think the best use of my funds and time would be to buy a kit that requires the user to weld it together. Has anyone come across a system like that?

 

[toomanytoyzz]

I have built two spits in my time, and though they are extremely useful I believe some people overbuild them to say the least. The link you provided is a pretty straight forward style, but it even has some things I would scale down to save on fab time.

My restorations have always been vehicles with full frames so I leave the body on the frame for most of the panel replacement process so I know everything is remaining in line with the body mounts. I will put it on the spit to finish any areas I couldn't get to while on the frame as well as paint. I never really saw the need to install a rotating mechanism with chain or such to get it on its belly. In fact the second one was more "no frills" than the first build.

Have you ever thought of using the two engine stand method? My buddy did it with great success and it cost him under $200 to gather the rest of the material to fab it together. He already had the engine stands.

Here's a couple pics of mine which I used to restore my 1977 Ford Bronco. It was the first one I built and got the job done just fine IMO.

 

[rsanter]

I built one years ago
Look in my pictures for,it and copy it
Works very well

Bob

 

[DekeT]

IHave you ever thought of using the two engine stand method? My buddy did it with great success and it cost him under $200 to gather the rest of the material to fab it together. He already had the engine stands.

Most engine stands are not parallel to the ground. Did your friend have to use a universal joint to line up each end to get it to swivel?

 

[Zeke]

Most engine stands are not parallel to the ground. Did your friend have to use a universal joint to line up each end to get it to swivel?

I've seen plenty of engine stand rotisseries and none needed a friggen u-joint. What they did need was additional height and additional outriggers.

 

[plow]

Subscribed.


Picked up a couple matching low end engine stands last week.

 

[Muffin77]

cant upload the build if I find the url i will post it as well but this is the plans I got off an autobdy site I joined

 

[Muffin77]

http://www.harwoodperformance.bizland.com/1941buick/index.html

 

[Jon Jacobs]

Heres one I built for my 65. I was worried it would tip over so I anchored it to the garage floor. The jib crane at the back lifted the back and I used 2 engine hoists to pick up the front.

I was a little top heavy, looking back.

Did the job.

 

[Lwel9226]

There is a thread on building a pretty simple and cost effective one on the "TFFN" forum

LW

 

[ADSR]

Bought mine for 900 bucks on sale. Would have cost me 500+ to build it and a month of sundays.

I have more money than time.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183986

 

[bcos]

My son and I built a rotisserie for my '56 Ford F-100. Used 2 engine stands and built risers to increase the height. It worked great and the frame was very easy to spin. Cost of $200 for steel and a weekend of welding...Love it.

 

[Bearston]

Easy enough to sell it once you're done with it, any of these designs will do. If your welding skills are good enough (don't lie to yourself), you make it. You can also cut it up when youre done with it, make a welding table shop furniture, home furniture, tools, chimes, trivets, or scrap. Have fun!

 

[HMCFab9]

I'm building one right now. Using 2 HF engine stands. Outriggers will be added & additional height too.
If you have fabrication skills & a welder, I see no reason to buy one, unless you just don't have any time to do it.
(but then if you don't have the time to build the rotisserie.... how can you find the time to restore a car...)

Post some pics as you build.