Yeah, I am not happy to admit it but I hung the front bumper on a wheel stop tonight in a parking garage. I was surprised 1) that there was a wheel stop in the first place since most stalls didn't even have one and 2) how far away from the wall it was.

So I need some tips on the best way to get the car off. I have a few ideas. and wanted some input. If I was: crazy with my options, which is easiest, and possible tips.

Option 1) bring 2 jacks for either side of the car and lift the body the 1 inch needed to clear the curb and push the car back oh so slowly then drop it back down. I am thinking with some good floor jacks that have wheels this should go okay. But I am worried about one of them getting caught on something on the ground and causing body damage.

Option 2) Take off the bottom fairing piece. This is a stock bumper but there is that one fairing peice on the bottom that hangs down. This is what got caught. It appears that a few screws (hex screws?) on each end and some plastic tabs is all that holds this on to the main bumper assembly? Is this true. I have little room to work with due to the limited clearance due to the curb and how low the car is in the first place.

Option 3) Remove the entire bumper. I really need some tips for this. I know it may be relatively easy, I assume. But really could use some experience on how many bolts, where they are, where are the hidden ones, etc. Do I need to take the wheels and wheel well liners off first... etc. Thinking this is true I am hoping Option 1 or 2 will be feasible.

Please learn from my lesson.. stay FAR AWAY from curbs and wheel stops. I feel so stupid and stranded. Poor mini...

Thanks for any tips

 

Having been on both the problem end as well as the helping end, there is one other option: Get a couple of big guys to help lift the car up and back off the stop. You dont need to lift the wheels off the ground, just raise it enough to clear the stop. I once helped someone in the same predicament by myself. This person pulled up to a curb that had a metal edge that got stuck on a bracket under the car. Putting the car in reverse only amounted to wheelspin and smoke. All it took was a little lift and it was freed.

Unless you really plowed yourself up onto the stop, it should be pretty easy to ease it off.

 

option 4.. over inflate the front tires. deflate the rears if needed. Back car off stop.. the set tire to right pressure.

 

I would have to agree, get some folks to lift and push the car off the curb.
You could also jack up on side, put a piece or 2 of 2x6 under the wheel. Then then do the other wheel. Should work. I would not try rolling jacks. How would you get them under the lift points and get them to roll sideways very well.

 

I thought about lifting, but just don't know if I could get it up enough. I would be afraid of dropping it down too early or someone gabbing the wrong part. It really is hung up pretty good. Plus, where the car is, is a llittle hard to get all my friends there.


I LOVE the idea about the 2x4's, that should work perfectly. Time to head to Home Depot. Much safer I agree.

THANKS!!!

 

Get a couple 2x4's a few feet long, jack one side of the car place one under the tire then do the other tire then back out driving on the 2x4's. If this won't give you the clearance try 4x4's. Good luck .

 

i wouldn't recommend lifting the car by hand. you are actaully lifting up on the hood if you use the wheel well. the fender flares will pull off and you may actually bend the hood. 2x4s or 2x6's are the best idea. you wouldn't even need a jack. just roll the car as far forward as it will go, put the wood behind the front tires and reverse back up onto them.

 

WAIT! The first step before attempting ANY of these wonderful suggestions is this : Go to the local convenience store or 7-11. Grab a pack of Mentos. Then proceed with whichever method you prefer, clutching the pack of Mentos firmly in your fist, and popping one into your mouth the second they start moving the MINI.

(but seriously, good luck...yeah, maybe stick a wedge directly behind both front tires and then back it up. Should lift up the car enough, but that 2x4 suggestions sounds perfect)

 

Been there done that, the best, quickest and easiest way is to do just what Greatbear said get a couple of big friends and give a heave-ho it's actaully easier than you would think you just need to clear the bumper not actually lift the entire car off the ground.

Oh and another piece of advice, don't ever admit to not being able to get it up

 

Thanks all the 2x4's worked like a charm.

In and out in under 10 minutes. Most of that time was taking the jack out of the other car. I have already passed this knowledge onto friends who all have low cars too.

Happily motoring again

 

Or just raise the hood and get a hand hold underneith somewhere:smile:

 

Get a couple of 2x4 pieces, put under front wheels and roll back off the wood and curb......

 

Hey, maybe two short 2X4s should come with the MINI tool kit.

 

This soooo sounds like something like I would do. LOL hahaha

 

...it's only a matter of time until I do the same...

 

Within the first week of ownership, I almost hung my MC up. Put a slight divet in the cowl.
I never pull up close to anything now