We've seen our share of auto-body rotisseries, but we have to admit we're impressed with the Whirly Jig Better Body Handler. The Whirly Jig makes short work of a restoration project because it enables you to tackle the car's body from any perspective. You can roll a car body 360 degrees around its longitudinal axis and lock it in any position for easy accessibility. The Whirly Jig is designed to accommodate virtually any Ford, Mercury, or Lincoln unit body or composite.
Not having to lie underneath a body to remove undercoating and detail the chassis is only one aspect of the Whirly Jig. Because it locks in any position, you can prepare a body for painting without having to bend over or lie down. Roll the body over one-quarter turn and you have a lower surface positioned for easy access. This eliminates those missed areas that are difficult to see while bending over a rocker panel.
The Whirly Jig can also mount other components when it'ss not handling bodies. Use one-half of the Whirly Jig for a transmission or differential work stand. Mount the component, and you can roll it over for universal access. Due to its weight, the Whirly Jig must be shipped motor freight to your address. But if you live within driving distance of Paris, Tennessee (located 100 miles northwest of Nashville), and have a heavy-duty trailer hitch, you can pick up the Whirly Jig from the factory and hang it on your hitch for the ride home. Available accessories such as special casters, a hydraulic lift, an electric motor drive, and so on, are designed to make your job easier. Contact Whirly Jig for more details.
We suggest assembling your Whirly Jig without wheels or casters installed, which is exactly what we didnt do. After we assembled our Better Body Handler, we learned later from Warren Emerson of Whirly Jig that both ends should be flat on the floor without wheels or casters for improved stability during assembly.
Via motor freight, the Whirly...
Via motor freight, the Whirly Jig arrives disassembled in a huge crate, so you will have to have the means to unload a 600-pound crate (meaning a fork lift, or three professional wrestlers).
Assembled, each end of the...
Assembled, each end of the Whirly Jig should look like this. For Mustangs, the center of gravity and ground clearance is such that the A-frames should be positioned as shown. Included are options, like the front casters for mobility. Smaller, steel-wheel casters can also be used.
Establish the distance you...
Establish the distance you want the Whirly Jig from the body. For our ’66 Mustang, we opted for 12 inches fore and aft. Any further and you will overstress the adapters.
The Whirly Jig arrives without...
The Whirly Jig arrives without adapters due to the endless variety of automobile types out there. You will have to custom-fabricate the adapters that tie the Whirly Jig to your vehicle. All you need is raw stock and someone who can weld. Whirly Jig supplies the on-unit adapters (arrow), which serve as a connection. The rear adapters consist of 1-1/2-inch angle iron (12 inches long) and 1- by 1-1/2-inch (5 inches long) which are welded together. The Mustang’s rear bumper bracket holes serve as attachment points.
Rear attachments should look...
Rear attachments should look like this. Don’t be intimidated by the fabrication part of this operation. Any fabrication shop can handle your needs at an affordable price. “A” is a 1- by 1-1/2-inch piece of angle iron 5 inches in length. “B” is 1- by 1-inch angle iron 12 inches in length. “C” is the Whirly Jig–supplied adapter.
Front attachment points are...
Front attachment points are at the bumper bracket holes in the framerails. Measure 12 inches to the front of the vehicle, plus the distance necessary to cover the holes. Make a template from the holes in the frame, then center punch and drill the angle iron accordingly. Like the rear attachment points, 1- by 1-inch angle iron is used between the Whirly Jig adapter and the frame.
Bolt the angle iron and adapter...
Bolt the angle iron and adapter to the frame. Adjustments are made at the A-frame. Measure at the A-frame to make sure the Whirly Jig is centered.
For stability, Whirly Jig...
For stability, Whirly Jig suggests tying both ends of the unit together via 2-inch pipe. We sourced 2-inch pipe in four sections for ease of installation and storage when not in use. We had each section threaded and tied each side together with couplings. Whirly Jig suggests assembling the unit with both ends squarely on the floor for stability and ease of assembly. Install wheels or casters only when you need to move the unit.
The completed Whirly Jig should...
The completed Whirly Jig should look like this. Each end is height adjustable. Check the body-to-ground clearance before rolling it over. Always lock the fore unit regardless of position.
Regular Whirly Jig maintenance...
Regular Whirly Jig maintenance is vital. Lubricate all grease fittings with chassis grease before operating the unit.
When both ends of the Whirly...
When both ends of the Whirly Jig are adjusted properly, you can roll a car body over with your fingertips. The Whirly Jig allows 360 degrees of body rotation and locks throughout the travel, which means abundant access.