Carotator

The Carotator is a very simple automotive rotisserie device that consists of two identical units. One is installed on the front of the body or frame and one on the back. The fact that there are two units means that you can push them around one at a time, which greatly simplifies handling in the shop and installation onto the car body. Both units can be loaded in the back of a pickup, making it ideal for shared ownership with your buddies or car club. The units are completely adjustable for overall height and location of balance point. The ability to adjust the pivot to attach point relationship enables you to set up the Carotator so that the body is perfectly balanced and can be rotated with one hand. Download the Assembly Instructions (pdf).

The photo to the left shows my 12 year old daughter turning the body of my '53 Chevy. No trick photography, it's that easy.

The Carotator is rated at 3000 lbs total load so it will handle any car body or frame. It is fitted with industrial quality casters that enable the moving of your project to any location on your concrete floor with one hand. Best of all, the Carotator sells for $1295 FOB Mariposa, CA. Compare this with the $1000 - $2200 price tag on the units you've seen in Hemmings.

This photo on the left shows one of the unique features of the Carotator. Note that there is a single support arm extending under the car body and the cross bar is under the body. Other rotisseries use a cross bar at or near the pivot and two arms extending under the car, which complicates the balancing portion of the setup procedure.

Note again on the right photo, the single support arm and the two height adjustment points. The square tube on the left is the balance adjustment and the one on the right is the overall height adjustment.