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How can I fix a bullet hole in a car door?

I walked out to my car the other day and was absolutely shocked to see a bullet hole in the door! I called the police and explained the situation. I don’t know if they’re going to do anything—they just said I should get it repaired. So, how do you fix a bullet hole in a car door?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If you have some body filler, sandpaper, and touch-up paint, you may be able to fix a bullet hole in a car door by yourself.
You’ll need a few hours and some supplies that can be purchased at most auto shops:
  • Clean rags
  • Car wash soap and water
  • Sandpaper
  • Body filler and/or a patch kit
  • Primer
  • Touchup paint
Once you have your supplies, here’s the process to fix the bullet hole:
  • Safety check: Ensure the door functions as usual. If the locking mechanism, window controls, or other features aren’t working correctly, visit a mechanic before proceeding.
  • Clean: Clean the area around the hole using car soap and water.
  • Pre-sand: Sand the area using 180- or 220-grit sandpaper. Try to minimize extra scuffs.
  • Mix and apply the body filler: If the hole is large, you may need to place a screen or patch behind the hole to hold the filler in place. Let the filler harden. You can use a heat lamp to speed up the process.
  • Post-sand: Smooth the area and filler using medium-grain sandpaper.
  • Prime: Wipe the area clean and apply several layers of primer, making sure to sand any scratches smooth between applications.
  • Paint: Apply some touch-up paint and let it dry before driving.
Additionally, it may be worth contacting your car insurance company to see if the repair is covered by
comprehensive coverage
, if you have it.
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