Just listening to the regional news this evening and they did a story on a Mudgee man who was killed today when his car fell off supports crushing him.

It wasn't mentioned what those supports were but please everybody can I just implore when working on or under any car. Jack it up and use properly manufactured jack stands.

DO NOT USE LUMPS OF WOOD, BRICKS, MASONARY - DO NOT - DO NOT

Then when you think the car is properly supported - give it a good shake to see if you can dislodge it. Then if it seems safe, put a couple of wheels and tyres under the body so that if all else does fail and the car falls - you may be trapped but not crushed.

Please please - heed this warning.

Good advice. Even on ramps and axle stands, I'm very wary about working under the car. Having dependents does that to you...

Also, If possible, ALWAYS have the car on flat level cement area for stability. Just think; would I be happy with my 2 year old crawling under there?

I learn't this the hard way. Back in 1991 I was stripping a MkII Cortina shell, which while supported in the dodgiest fashion possible (bricks and bits of wood and a jack), fell on me. It was only a shell (No running gear) and remained supported on two opposite corners, but I still took most of the weight of the front end on my chest. It didn't fully pin me, just belted me into the ground.

It knocked me out, but I managed to get myself out without anything more than bruising, it still took me about half an hour after I came to. I was home alone at the time and it would have been several hours before anyone found me. Scared the crap out of me.

Now I'm ludicrously anal about getting under cars. Even to the point of being so careful while sliding the stands in and under.

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1958 Morris Minor 1000 - "Nigel"

I'm glad you guys related these stories. I always thought I was a woose for being just that little bit wary when getting under a car even when I have observed all the issues you have raised.

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225hp atw on 14psi. 1/4 Mile no idea. Take one 1971 Mini Clubman, one Starlet GT Halfcut, Simmer over a warm MIG Welder, and Voila Minstar! www.mpdesign.id.au

I just saw this on 16vmini. This guy has no problems getting under a car!!! He is just asking for trouble.

i know basically no-one has access to it, but a hoist is pretty good, if you can get to one.

either that or build yourself a garage with a pit????

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78 Leyland Mini - Prince

Heya guys, I am actually alive and still in OZ. Not in europe, holidaying with Heidi Klum as some people may have suggested (okay okay, nobody suggested it, but if ya see Heidi, can ya tell her i'm still interested??)

Anyways, I've had a car fall on me. My old man was right under the cross member, and I was lying on my side under the front corner. I dunno how the stand slipped, but I remember the car shifting, and dropping onto my shoulder. Luckily I was only supporting the weight of one corner of the car, but under a V8 Monaro, I was still stuck.

My old man couldnt figure out why I was abusing him, and telling him to get out from under the car. He didnt even realise the stand had slipped out.

It's always wise to be wary of ANY vehicle on stands or jacks. Not just from slipping, but jacks can also FAIL. I've seen what happens when a jack fails under an aircraft. MESSY

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"He's always been a dickhead, He always is a dickhead, He will always be a dickhead. So stop complaining when he acts like one."