O.K, I was on the ladder drilling a couple of holes in the roof of my H3 Installing the marker lights on the front. After drilling the holes I laid the drill on top of the ladder to run the wires through the newly drilled holes and of course bumped the drill and the drill fell bit first right into the drivers side door leaving a 3" gash in the paint all the way to the metal.
My question is.... Can a body shop do anything other than having to paint the entire door and what kind of cost am I loooking at here?

 

you will want the whole door painted probably,they can smooth it down and do a certain area,but most likely it wont look the best,should only cost a couple hundred bucks,i wouldnt say no more then 400

 

You might be able to do a reasonable touch up?? Go to the local auto part place, get the small matching touch up paint, the best I have used is by Dupli-Color, apply the clear coat over the top of the repair, and buff out. Their web site has how to pages and videosso follow their tips http://www.duplicolor.com/products/scratchfix2in1.html.

It may not turn out perfect, but you may also be pleasently surprised at the results and with save the $$$$ for a dor paint. If you try it and can't stand it because you can see it, pay the body shop, your attempted repair is not gonna make matters any worse than a door repaint anyway.

 

To shoot a little color and re-clear the door on mine, it would have been in the $500 range
were I the one paying for it.

BTW: Doc....Better get that smart-*** gland of yours warmed up....I'm driving a Sebring loaner.....

 

No Aarp card in the glove box? Chrysler may want that back if they go on strike [:@]. Did you at least get a brush guard and nerf steps on this loaner. If it's a new one, it can heat your Java on the way into work, and cool your gingerale on the way home?? No sophistication factor like the Buick. [&o] BUT, I bet you can park it w/o trouble. [8D]

 

I know it will be more money,but I would probably let the dealer body shop paint the door. You probably would not be able to tell it has been painted.

 

Now is a perfect time to go wheelin. You won't be nearly so concerned about the brush rash.

 

Get a red marker and try to color, its basically freeand isnt really hard....jk

 

You never forget your first scratch.....

I'm sorry for your loss....

on the bright side.... your ride is new.... and even MAACO can color match it and do a good job on something that easy....