33 replies to this topic

[Wholord]

hi there

I have just purchased a trolley jack and axle stands from Halfords. As its an older car I wasn't sure where best was to place the jacks. The axle jacks need to be in place as well as the trolley jack for safety reasons I was told. I'm quite new to all this so if someone has a picture of where the jack and axle stands would be best placed it would be much appreciated. The Sub frame might be a good idea but a picture showing exactly where to place the trolley jack and then axle stands would be fab. Thanks 

[Anthony30]

I always use the subframes, especially on the front, and use a little square pad to stop the subframe from getting damaged.

[Craig89]

As above I jack on the RH or LH side of the subframe, adjacent to the wheels

[Tamworthbay]

As above regards jacking on the subframe, one thing to be careful of is to avoid the slinging points on the shell. If you look underneath you will see a square a metal at each corner of the floor. It isn't a jacking point and will result in a bent floor if it is used. No end of minis have been damaged that way as they do look like jacking points to the uninitiated.

[Ben_O]

I would put the front axle stands under the front subframe directly behind the centre of the hubs on the flat part of the subframe.

 

The rears, i would put anywhere on the flat bottom side rails of the subframe.

 

As for jacking, anywhere substantial on the subframe that won't interfere with where you want to put the stands or wont crush any brake pipes etc will be fine.

 

Place a load of rags or something suitable between the axle stands and the subframe so that you don't damage the paint etc on them and promote rust.

 

Just go easy and keep your eyes on everything. I stupidly jacked up my old Volvo Estate without any care or attention and it started to tip off the jack whilst i had my legs under the front.

Brown trouser moment!!

[Spider]

 and use a little square pad 

 

Some brands of Jacks have available a Rubber Pad to take the place of the Steel bitey thingy they all come with, that's what I have, perfect on a Mini, maybe not so on other cars.

 

I also fitted some rubber faced machinery mounts to the tops of my axle stands, once again, perfect for a Mini.

 

If I remember later, I'll throw up some photos.

[dklawson]

In place of the rubber pads, I use pieces of MDF (do they have that in the UK and OZ?).  MDF is "medium density fiber board".  Though people in that industry will cringe when I say it, MDF is basically very thick, high-density cardboard.  It is a remarkably handy material for all sorts of uses around the shop... as long as you don't get it wet.

[gazza82]

Yes we get it in UK ... easy to find in diy stores

[Spider]

Yes, we also have MDF here in the colonies.

 

I did manage to snap a few off today - pics that is,

 

Jack;-

 

 

 

 

Stand;-

 

 

[Guess-Works.com]

I have loads of approx 4" squares of OSB, if any one local wants some

[dklawson]

Spider, after seeing the pictures you posted of the roads you drive on, I was expecting a lot more dirt and dust under your car.  You do a good job of keeping it clean!

[Ben_O]

What are the Plates for that are bolted to your Sills Spider?

[Spider]

Spider, after seeing the pictures you posted of the roads you drive on, I was expecting a lot more dirt and dust under your car.  You do a good job of keeping it clean!

 

 

Bhahahaa,,,,,,,  Thanks but that's the Missus's Moke!!  It has seen some considerable 'action' but now not for more than 25 years, it doesn't go off-road much anymore. Only done 13 000 km since it's last restoration 6 years ago!

 

 

On my own Moke, I still have mud in there from our last trip which was like nothing else, I think I'll have to strop the car down to get the last of it out, make good paint stripper too!

 

 

What are the Plates for that are bolted to your Sills Spider?

 

 

As probably clarified / hinted at above, it's a Moke, so the floor pan is a little different to a Mini

[Ben_O]

I assumed it was a saloon! oops

[Spider]

I assumed it was a saloon! oops

 

Yeah, it's just a soft top saloon with no doors