Anyone know about auto body repair?

[BainsBane]

Someone shot at my car (a 2010 Mazda 5) this weekend and left two bullet holes, one in the quarter panel and another in the front door. The claims agent came today and gave me a check, and said that if it ran over, which it likely would, the autobody shop should contact him. The front door needs to be replaced but I guess they can patch the quarter panel. The difference is in the type of steel in the front door. The bullet seems to be lodged in the post that holds the door to the front of the car. The guy said it's possible it may have damaged the electrical panel, but I haven't noticed anything driving it.

I know I have to get the car repaired so the body doesn't rust from snow and salt (I'm in Minnesota). I'm wondering if there might to a cheaper way to patch the holes that will prevent corrosion but costs less. Then I wouldn't have to pay a $500 deductible and might be able to keep any leftover money. If anyone has knowledge about these matters, I'd appreciate any info.

Thanks!

[Kali]

1. too bad you are in rust land

Last edited Tue May 21, 2013, 08:25 PM - Edit history (1)

I often feel like putting some bullets in our vehicles and I would just leave them.

post pix!



(sorry, I bet that was actually pretty traumatic for you - I am a loon and live in the rural west)

[BainsBane]

2. I can probably do some pics.

I'll try to remember.

[pscot]

3. Bondo

http://bondo.com/

There are how to films all over utube.

[BainsBane]

4. Thanks

Will that keep it from rusting out? Think lots of snow, rain, and salt on the roads.

[pscot]

5. It's epoxy. It cant rust

You have to smooth it and cover it with paint. Utube's your friend there.

[HooptieWagon]

6. Its polyester, not epoxy.

And it won't prevent rust. Not intended for patching holes, its a fairing compound for small dents. Yes, it could be used for a quick fix.. I wouldn't use it on a newer car. The holes can be patched by welding on a small patch and repainting.

[HooptieWagon]

7. A 2010 car I would repair properly.

Cutting corners (like using Bondo) will lead to rusting. Talk to several body shops. Door can be replaced, re-skinned, or a small patch welded on hole. Quarter panel probably weld a patch. Door and quarter panel will have to be re-painted.

[JohnnyRingo]

8. Do you ever plan to sell the car?

if so, fix it right.

Buying a car with rusty bullet holes is a deal killer except in certain neighborhoods where it may be a status symbol. Kidding aside, with a bad repair job you'll have to repeat the story for every potential buyer and the price will plummet accordingly.

If you plan to drive it "til the wheels fall off" and absolutely don't care what it looks like, put duct tape over the hole. Bondo does not fill holes and will fall out with time, but a body shop can weld a steel patch under it and fill it in.

Tell the body shop your situation and how you have to stay within a budget on out of pocket money. Many shops just assume the insurance is covering any expense and that you don't care. They can often find a solution to the problem by finding a used door at a scrap yard or patching it as I pointed out above and still turn a decent profit. A reputable shop has incentive to do this because they know you'll be back for every new job and you'll tell your friends. If your body shop is inflexible, ask around and find a better shop.