Full Pilates Cadillac

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Align-Pilates Full Cadillac. This Cadillac is available (as of 2023) as:

• the A2 Full Pilates Cadillac (jump to assembly).
• A combination Reformer/Cadillac with the C8-Pro, C2-Pro RC, or other discontinued models: C2-Pro or C1-Pro (Other Reformers are not compatible) — Plus C-Series Platform Extender, Mattress Converter, and Leg Extensions (jump to assembly).
• the Full Pilates Cadillac (Frame Only) — which must be used in conjunction with the Base Frame or a compatible Reformer.

The Reformer images shown in this manual are of the C1-Pro, however the assembly instructions apply to all compatible Reformers.

Important:

Before opening any boxes ensure the serial numbers on the 3 boxes match each other.

At least two people are required to unpack the equipment. At all times you are responsible for your own safety. Please unpack the equipment in a clear, clean and dry environment on a level floor surface. Remove all strapping using a safety knife and remove the carton lid and remove the contents from the boxes. To build the Cadillac you will need 2.45m height clearance to insert the poles into the frame.

Cadillac Map

1. Trapeze
2. Trapeze Carriage
3. Fuzzies
4. Safety Strap
5. Push Through Bar
6. Quick Adjust Carriages
7. Hand Handles
8. Removeable Shoulder Rests
9. Head Rest
10. Cadillac Leg Bracket
11. Carriage Bed
12. Mattress Converter
13. Platform Extender
14. Footbar Selector
15. Cadillac Leg Bracket
16. Padded Footbar
17. Fixed Standing Platform
18. Roll Down Bar
19. Roll Down Bar Frame

A2 Full Cadillac Assembly

Attaching the legs

Begin by inserting the frame into the legs. Ensure that the frame head end and the head end legs are at the same end. These have pre drilled holes as per Figure 1. Attach them using x32 small nuts and washers provided – x8 per corner, x4 on the outside of the frame (Figure 2) at each corner and x4 on the inside of the frame at each corner (Figure 3).

Attaching the leg brackets

Attach the leg brackets using the x4 medium bolts and washers with loctite through the frame, Figure 4. Using x3 small bolts with washers attach the top of the bracket to the underside of the frame with x2 bolts and washers and then into the vertical leg from the inside with the last bolt and washer. Now bolt on the mattress – there are 2 bolt holes though each of the two end cross supports Your frame should now look as below in Figure 5. To secure the legs, use x2 of the x4 long bolts at either end, insert vertically into the frame (Figure 6).

Attaching the headrest

To attach the headrest use x4 bolts and insert into the pre-drilled holes shown in Figure 7.

Inserting the poles

Ensure the grub screws are loose on all four corners to allow the poles to slot into the receptacles, (Figure 8). Once you have done this you can insert the two head end uprights, one at a time, into the receptacles. (Note: The head end uprights have three holes drilled through half way up). Slide the black quick adjust carriages over the top of each pole and tighten in position, see Figure 9. Be sure that these uprights are installed at the same end of the frame that has the 4 holes for the headrest.

Insert the other pair of poles in the opposite end with the drilled holes at the top. Once they are all connected, slide over the roll down bar frame at the foot end as per Figure 10.

Attaching the Trapeze carriage

Insert the black corner caps in each upright. (Note: there is only one way they will all slot in correctly, so take your time and align
the holes correctly). Next, insert the x2 short end pieces.

Slide the trapeze carriage over each of the horizontal cross bars and insert one end at a time into the corner pieces. Align all the holes ready for the bolts and then use the bolts with the contoured washers and rounded caps, screw each bolt upward through the horizontal frame pieces.

At each corner use the bolts with eyelets to attach the uprights to each black corner piece, Figure 11. Use the x4 black knobs, 2 per bar, to position the sliding trapeze frame and the roll down bar frame in place. These simply screw in as per Figure 12.

Attaching the push through bar

Insert the push through bar onto the push through bar risers and use the nut and washer on each side as per Figure 13 to attach the push through bar. At the head end, attach the horizontal eyelets for the push through bar using the wrench and tighten securely, as per Figure 14.

Attaching the Trapeze

To attach the trapeze to the runner, insert the eyelets through the bar and tighten with the wrench securely as per Figure 15.

Now begin attaching the springs. Note: there is no set way to do this, with the exception the black springs should be used to attach the frame runner and the trapeze itself using karabiners. Where a spring connects to the frame a Carabiner should be employed, where the spring connects to the push through bar, handles or roll down bar please use a double ended dog clip.

Please attach the safety strap for the push through bar – for further instructions on how to do this please see Adjusting the Full Cadillac. Ensure this is supporting the bars weight before first use. Finally attach the 2 fuzzies to the top rail. Congratulations! You have now completed the assembly of your A2 Full Cadillac.

Compatible C-Series Reformer Cadillac Assembly

Important notes before unpacking

As previously mentioned, the Full Cadillac Frame is only compatible with the following Reformers: C8-Pro, C2-Pro RC, or other discontinued models: C2-Pro or C1-Pro. Also required are the C-Series Platform Extender and Mattress Converter (to make a fully flat bed), and Leg Extensions (as the Cadillac Frame does not fit without these). The Reformer images shown in this manual are of the C1-Pro, however the assembly instructions apply to all compatible Reformers.

Important notes before assembling

At least two people are required to unpack the equipment. At all times you are responsible for your own safety. Please unpack the equipment in a clear, clean & dry environment on a level floor surface. Remove all strapping using a safety knife and remove the carton lid and remove the contents from the boxes. To build the Full Cadillac you will need approximately 2.45m height clearance to insert the frames into the brackets.

Attaching the Full Cadillac to your Reformer

We recommend getting a pair of stable trestles to put the reformer on to enable easy fitting of the legs. Place the trestles 120cm apart and make sure the top of the trestles have something soft on them to avoid scratching the reformer frame. Ensuring at least one spring is attached to the spring bar, carefully lift the reformer and place it gently onto the trestles, so one of the trestles is underneath the point where the foot bar attaches to the aluminium runner. At the riser end of the reformer attach the Full Cadillac base feet to the leg extensions using the Allen key and 4 bolts/washers provided, 2 bolts/washers per side, see Figures 1 & 2.

Remove the two black adjustable screw in feet by unscrewing them completely out and then screw these completely into the bottom of the C2-Pro Full Cadillac base bracket. This should result in your reformer looking as per Figures 3 & 4.

As per the arrows in Figures 3 and 4, there are four bolt positions to attach the Full Cadillac top bracket to the leg extension. Initially attach the two bolts directly onto the runner first, use the Allen key provided to tighten until hand tight, and then attach the bolts on the underside and front face of the runner. Once all bolts are inserted, tighten fully. Do this for both sides of the reformer. Now all four brackets are attached securely to the leg extensions, with assistance remove the reformer from the trestle and place in its’ final desired situation.

To attach the brackets to the foot end, insert the two long bolts through the bracket and leg then hand tighten with the Allen Key, see Figure 5. To attach the top bracket, use the three bolts and washers as
indicated in Figure 6 to attach the bracket to the frame.

Now that the brackets are in place you can insert the upright poles. Please ensure the grub screws on the brackets have all been released to allow the poles to slide in easly. At the rope riser end the two poles with the holes along their length are inserted with the holes at the top and facing outward away from the reformer (Figure 7). At the foot end the poles can be inserted with the holes at the top as shown in Figure 8.

Now you can attach the sliding carriages on to the rope riser end poles with one pair of sliding eyelets going on first, slide these to the bottom. Then slide the two push through bar sliding carriages onto the poles and lock into place and then finally the second pair of sliding eyelets as in Figure 9.

At the foot end of the reformer you can now slide on the roll down bar frame. It is held in place by two knobs which you screw in to each side of the frame in the holes provided. The top frame of the Cadillac comes already built with the trapeze frame already attached. With at least two people, lower the top frame onto the top of each of the poles corners and then use the eyelets to secure into place using the tools provided, see Figure 10.

Once all four corners are attached the result should be as Figures 11 & 12.

Attach the two knobs into the trapeze frame as in Figure 13.

The trapeze springs will have covers on them, at either end attach a Carabiner and then attach these to the frame and the trapeze as shown in Figure 14. You can then attach the sling using the dog clips below the trapeze.

The fuzzies can now be looped over the each of the top bars and folded through itself to attach to the frame as per Figure 15.

You can now attach the springs to the frame in your desired set up. Remember to use a Carabiner at the end of each spring where it attaches to the apparatus frame and a dog clip where it attaches to the push through bar, straps or handles.

The roll down bar is connected at the foot end, attaching karabiners to one end of the spring to the roll down bar frame and then a dog clip to attach to the maple roll down bar itself through the eyelets provided. The safety strap attached to the top central eyelet at the rope riser end of the Cadillac, for further information on attaching & adjusting the safety strap please see Adjusting the Full Cadillac.

Your Cadillac should now look similar to Figure 16.

When you wish to insert the mattress insert to make a complete flat bed, unhook the springs from the reformer bed, slide this up to the head end and then insert the mattress converter between the reformer bed and the platform extender as per Figure 17. Before first use, please read the guide on Adjusting the Full Cadillac and use the small Allen key provided to tighten the grub screw in the brackets to hold the frame in position. Congratulations you have now completely built your Full Cadillac!!

Adjusting the Full Cadillac

Adjusting the spring heights on the Full Cadillac can be adjusted by loosening the rope height adjustment knob and then pulling the knob outwards to release the locking pin. Slide to the desired height and ensure the pin re-engages in one of the holes, then tighten the knob to prevent rattle.

Each of the sliding eyelet carriages has both forward and backward facing eyelets so that you can choose to attach the springs on either side. Eyelets not in use can be used for hanging spare springs. The push through bar height can also be adjusted in the same way by pulling out both knobs and changing the height – this is easiest done by 2 people though it is not something that is done frequently.

You can set up your Full Cadillac with many different spring set ups, our images are for pictorial purposes only. It is key to note that where the spring connects to the frame, please use a Carabiner, and where it is close to the hand please use a double ended dog clip.

Our safety strap design (Figure 18) allows for the quick adjustment of the strap – to tighten the strap simply pull the loose end of the strap (Figure 19); to loosen first take the spring tension off the bar and then loosen the D-rings to loosen the strap. The Safety strap also features a quick release dog clip, which can be used to quickly take the safety strap off – this is convenient when you wish to let the bar hang down (or put it up to get it out the way) when no springs are attached. The quick release should not be used whilst the bar is under spring tension or it could result in an accident. If you are in doubt about how to safely use the swing through bar, please seek training from a qualified Pilates professional prior to use.

Safe usage of your Full Cadillac

The equipment is intended for use for recognised Pilates repertoire only, by/or, under the instruction of a qualified Pilates professional. Access to the equipment by children without a qualified professional in attendance must be prevented.

The Half Cadillac and related accessories are designed for inside use only and on a level floor with suitable clearance around the equipment for safe operation. This free area should be not less than 0.6 m greater than the training area in the directions from which the equipment is accessed. The free area must also include the area for emergency dismount. Where equipment is positioned adjacent to each other the value of the free area may be shared.

The maximum user weight for the equipment is 150Kg. When using the Half Cadillac it is not recommended to take your centre of gravity outside the frame as this may affect the stability of the equipment and could result in an accident. Recognised Pilates repertoire does not recommend that this is done anyway.

Periodic Maintenance

Please check the apparatus before first use and after each of the first few uses to check all the fittings are securely fastened. Thereafter, it is important to follow a regular maintenance schedule by someone familiar with the equipment and record your maintenance checks. Equally inspection should be made immediately if any part appears not be operating correctly or something appears to be loose. Below follows a basic maintenance guide though a detailed maintenance guide and a sample maintenance log can be downloaded from our Warranty & Maintenance page.

• Springs & Spring Clips: Inspect all springs for signs of wear, look for deformation, kinks, gaps and corrosion. Springs showing signs of damage must not be used and must be replaced immediately. Check all spring clips and carabiners for signs of wear, ensuring there is no deformation and that the “gates” firmly engage. Springs must be replaced every 2 years.
• Hardware: Ensure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely fastened.
• Safety Strap, Foot Straps, Ropes, Fuzzies and Handles: Check all stitching for wear and damage and replace immediately as needed.
• Movable Spring holders: Test to ensure the locking push pins engage securely into the upright frame.
• Eyelets & Spring Hooks: Hand check that all eyelets on the sliding spring eyelets, swing through and roll down bar are tight and cannot rotate. If loose remove, apply blue Loctite and retighten.
• Feet Level: Confirm bed is level and all the feet are in contact with the ground or this will affect stability
• Push-through Bar: Confirm all push-through bar bolts and nuts are securely fastened.
• Brackets and Grub Screws: Ensure the brackets that hold the Half Cadillac to the reformer frame are securely fastened and the grub screws that prevent the frame from moving are tight
• Upholstery: Regularly clean all upholstery on your Align equipment, we recommend using Gym Wipes from Vital Clean (www.vital-clean.de) as these will not damage your upholstery. Beware that some bactericides and strong or abrasive cleaning products will dry out the vinyl and reduce its life. Vinyl is non-absorbent, so will not absorb dirt. Surface wiping is only required.

Accessories

For the complete range of Align-Pilates apparatus & a complete range of Pilates mat work accessories please visit our Accessories page.

Exploded diagrams

Warranty Information

Align-Pilates™ Limited Lifetime Warranty

Terms of Limited Lifetime Warranty

Align-Pilates offers the following limited lifetime warranty, for the periods as stated below from the date of purchase, to the
original owner of their products, upon presentation of an original invoice in their name. The warranty is a Light Commercial Warranty allowing for a maximum usage of 27.5 hours per week. Align-Pilates will repair or replace any mechanical part that malfunctions due to defects in materials and/or workmanship during the warranty period. The warranty excludes normal wear and tear, damage due to negligence or misuse, abuse, modification or unauthorized repair; scratches to the finish, and tears or indents in the upholstery. Align-Pilates will, at its discretion, repair or replace any parts deemed defective during the warranty period. If we opt to repair or replace your apparatus, this may require that your product is returned for inspection at our premises prior to sending out replacement apparatus. Parts repaired or replaced under the terms of this warranty will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period only. This warranty does not cover shipping charges, customs clearance fees (where applicable) or any costs incurred in installing repaired or replacement parts shipped under the provisions of this warranty.
This warranty will be null & void if springs are not changed as specified or, if all safety, maintenance and usage instructions as specified in the manuals are not observed or, if the equipment is used for any other purpose other than for Pilates repertoire or if the equipment has been subjected to accident, abuse, improper service, or modification not authorised by Align-Pilates.

Duration of Limited Warranty

• Metal Frames & welded components: 10 year warranty
• Wooden Frames, Gear bar and foot bar mechanisms: 5 year warranty. Wooden frames must not be positioned next to convection radiators or air conditioning units.
• Other non-wear and tear components: 2 year warranty
• Ropes, Straps, Spring Clips, Handles, Fuzzies, Wheels, foot straps, Rotational disks and Non Foam Rollers: 1 year warranty
• Springs: 2 year / 3,000 hours warranty is given on all springs, excepting that a decrease of 5% of the spring power per 1,500 hours
  usage is acceptable according to internationally standards. Align-Pilates Springs should be replaced after a maximum of 3,000 hours use or 2 years, whichever is earlier. In the event of any signs of damage or wear springs should be replaced immediately regardless of age or usage.
• Upholstery: The upholstery fabric on Align-Pilates equipment will be replaced if it fails to give normal wear for 90 days from the date of delivery. Proof of damage may be required. This warranty does not cover cuts, scratches, burns, stains, soiling, or damages caused by unreasonable use such as wearing jewellery or inappropriate clothing whilst using the equipment. Align-Pilates reserves the right to substitute an equivalent fabric if an identical fabric is not available. Upholstery must be properly cared for laid out in the manual.

Warranty Return Procedure

The customer must call Align-Pilates or its authorized Distributor for authorization prior to returning the equipment. The customer is responsible for the cost of returning products to Align-Pilates (or their appointed Distributor) for warranty adjustment should this be deemed necessary. The customer is responsible for any damage or loss during shipment back to Align-Pilates (or their appointed Distributor). The customer is responsible for the cost of return freight to them in the event Align-Pilates decline to make a warranty adjustment. Align-Pilates do not accept responsibility for any items returned without a pre-approved authorization number, which must be clearly marked on the outside of the package.

Limitation of Liability

The above is our exclusive warranty and is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for any purpose. In no event shall Align-Pilates or their Distributors be liable for incidental, consequential or punitive damages.

Limitation of Returns

Items that may not be returned:
Reformers, Cadillacs, Half Cadillacs, Wall units, Ladder barrels, chairs, mat convertors & springs.

Contact

This warranty is issued by Align-Pilates Equipment Ltd. Contact details: 430 Enterprise Way, Vale Park, Evesham, Worcs WR11 1 AD, UK. Telephone + 44 1386 425920. Email: customercare@align-pilates.com