Can you bullet proof any car?

Bullet-proofing Your Car With An Affordable Composite Armor

Remember those actions movies like The Fast and the Furious where cars are constantly getting smashed by fast flying bullets? What would it have taken to protect the vehicles from AK-47s? In [PrepTech]’s three-part DIY composite vehicle armor tutorial, he shows how he was able to make his own bulletproof armor from scratch. Even if you think the whole complete-collapse-of-civilization thing is a little far-fetched, you’ve got to admit that’s pretty cool.

The first part deals with actually building the composite. He uses layers of stainless steel, ceramic mosaic tiles, and fiberglass, as well as epoxy resin in order to build the composite. The resin was chosen for its high three-dimensional cross-linked density, while the fiberglass happened to be the most affordable composite fabric. Given the nature of the tiny shards produced from cutting fiberglass, extreme care must be taken so that the shards don’t end up in your clothes or face afterwards. Wearing a respirator and gloves, as well as a protective outer layer, can help.

After laminating the fabric, it hardens to the point where individual strands become stiff. The next layer – the hard ceramic – works to deform and slow down projectiles, causing it to lose around 40% of its kinetic energy upon impact. He pipes silicone between the tiles to increase the flexibility. Rather than using one large tile, which can only stand one impact, [PrepTech] uses a mosaic of tiles, allowing multiple tiles to be hit without affecting the integrity of surrounding tiles. While industrial armor uses boron or silicon carbide, ceramic is significantly lower cost.

The stainless steel is sourced from a scrap junkyard and cut to fit the dimensions of the other tiles before being epoxied to the rest of the composite. The final result is allowed to sit for a week to allow the epoxy to fully harden before being subject to ballistics tests. The plate was penetrated by a survived shots from a Glock, Škorpion vz. 61, and AK-47, but was penetrated by the Dragunov sniper rifle. Increasing the depth of the stainless steel to at least a centimeter of ballistic grade steel may have helped protect the plate from higher calibers, but [PrepTech] explained that he wasn’t able to obtain the material in his country.

Nevertheless, the lower calibers were still unable to puncture even the steel, so unless you plan on testing out the plate on high caliber weapons, it’s certainly a success for low-cost defense tools.

Posted in Weapons Hacks Tagged bulletproof, car, Chemistry, composite, resin

35 thoughts on “ Bullet-proofing Your Car With An Affordable Composite Armor ”

cyberteque says:

remember to do the floor and firewall as well!! way back when, my mate bought an FN-FAL we went out to a place “folks” dump stolen cars I let go a burst of 7.62 at a Valiant (Chrysler) station wagon we had a giggle then I looked inside, over the tailgate there were these big, jagged holes in the floor, the roof, back seat I got in had a look down through the holes in the floor, must have hit the diff, it shattered into biggish chunks of metal, tore through the whole car the diff housing, crown wheel, spider gears had all turned into the biggest secondary projectiles I’ve ever seen after that we drove away a bit, I let go a whole 30 round mag of FMJ into the engine the damage was scary

MikeR says:

Ha! I shot an old jeep transmission and transfer case I found in the woods with a 30-30. It took out big pieces of the cast aluminum instead of just making holes. Couldn’t find some of them. 30-30 causes a pretty big impact and 45-70 even more, think I’d rather be shot with any NATO round versus either of those! 45-70 will bust rocks like nothing even from 100yds.

cyberteque says:

I had an old GM truck block I used to use for target practice with my Lee Enfield @200 metres a .303 British 110gr FMJ round would go through without slowing down
but a 160gr spire point or 180gr round nose just splattered

I_failed_Cpp says:

terminal ballistics are strange. Sometimes the greatest velocity does the most damage, sometimes its the most energy and other times its the greatest momentum.

I_failed_Cpp says:

This bring me to a rant. The current trends in archery are all about energy which drives me nuts because it’s all BS archery doesn’t work that way. It’s all about momentum with archery.

limroh says:

Kinetic energy E_k = 1/2 * m * v²
Momentum p = m * v
-> E_k = 1/2 * p * v
or E_k = p² / 2m What do you mean with that and your rant? Velocity is directly correlated with energy and momentum.
I have no idea of ballistics in general or archery in particular but your statements bug/confuse me.

I_failed_Cpp says:

Well what I mean is that with firearms when shooting tissue the wound/terminal ballistics have what’s called a temporary wound cavity and a permanent cavity. The temporary cavity is all the tissues wounded/destroyed by the “shock” of the impact. It is a direct result of the pressure wave that the bullet strike causes (energy being dumped). The permanent cavity is just where the bullet actually contacts and tears through (momentum). Watch some ballistic gel testing videos on YouTube that have slo-mo of it and you can see the effect. But firearm terminal ballistics has some quirks ie a lot of the time increasing projectile velocity (which increases both Mo & E) results in reduced penetration (in tissue) because of higher fragmentation. Also punching through steel like the persons above reference is totally different than tissue etc. With archery, arrows (bolts if fired from a crossbow) never travel fast enough to have this compression wave effect that can destroy tissue and even if there was a minuscule one you’d be better off to sacrifice it for larger permanent cavity. With archery what really only matters is the blade size of the broadhead and how much tissue you can push it through which only depends on momentum.

RW ver 0.0.1 says:
unless you need a long spiky bit for penetrating chain mail, or did Time Team lie to me?
I_failed_Cpp says:

I think I explained the wrong thing there… What I meant about the archery BS was the trends are shooting really light-weight 90 grain (weight) broadheads at the tip of ultra-light-weight carbon fiber shaft arrows at 350 feet per second or some such nonsense. I guess under the guise that somehow having a slightly flatter trajectory is better but it won’t matter when their shot is stopped by a rib of a deer etc. The old 145 grain (or more) broadhead on an old aluminum (or cedar) shaft will far outperform the new whiz-bang archery stuff on actually going through game. So maybe it goes 150 fps instead and you have actually be able to estimate range but they will punch right through scapula bones or whatever and do the job humanely. But to each their own.

limroh says:

ah okay, I think now I do understand what you meant.
I have seen some clips on YT with balisitic gel tests but never thought about the differences between penetration and impact damage.
Probably never thought about the later one at all…. From what you said I’d assume the newer arrows are more for sports archery maybe? And less for real world applications.

Comedicles says:

Careful what you wish for. The 50 cal BMG /12.5 is a NATO round and has around 14,000 ft-lbs of energy. One of the rounds is a 300 grain (23 gram) tungsten penetrator at 4,000 feet per second.

RW ver 0.0.1 says:

I think you can buy a kevlar blanket dealy from drag car suppliers to protect you if your transmission or diff blows up.

The Price of a Bulletproof Vehicle

• December 6, 2022
• Blog
• Posted by Ilan Y
• Leave your thoughts

There are several reasons you may be looking for a bulletproof car. For example, you may live in a dangerous place or want peace of mind for yourself and your family when driving around town. Armored cars can keep you and your family safe from carjackings, kidnappings, gunfire, and more.

Buying a bulletproof car is becoming a more popular option with all the chaos in the world today, but exactly how much does a bulletproof car cost? What features does it have that make it so safe? And what determines the price of the car? Let’s answer some of those questions.

What is the Average Price of an Armored Car?

Armored car prices can vary depending on the amount of protective features within the car and the options that are added to the vehicle. They can, on average, run anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 just for the armoring, depending on the level of protection and customization. That may sound like a lot, however, when your life is at risk, the last thing you want is a car that was made with inferior materials. Here is a breakdown of the main factors that affect an armored vehicle’s price:

Level of Protection

How heavily armored do you need your vehicle to be? Armored cars can safeguard you from high-powered rifles with armor-piercing bullets, as well as blasts from grenades. The level of security you feel you need will be based on the threat you are facing. However, the heavier the armoring level, the more expensive the vehicle will be.

Model of the Vehicle

Some vehicles are easier to armor than others, and some require more skill to maintain its original performance level. The more intricate the details, the more the price increases. For example, luxury models are more difficult to armor and can cost up to 20% more than other vehicles.

Country of Manufacture

Armoring a vehicle costs more in some countries than in others due to factors such as shipping costs, skilled labor, and importation of parts. These factors can increase your cost by up to 30% in some countries.

Another option is to buy a used armored car, but as we’ll discuss below, it may not be a good option. It might serve the same purpose at a lesser price tag, but the risks generally outweigh the benefits.

Gallery: Armored Cadillac Escalade, BR6 level of protection

What’s Included in the Cost of an Armored Vehicle?

The cost of a bulletproof car varies based on a number of features, which vary based on the armoring company. For example, at INKAS, we use high-grade certified ballistic steel and bulletproof windows, as well as carefully reinforce the suspension to hold the extra weight of the heavy armoring. Here are a few of the key security features included in our armored vehicles:

Full Protection From All Sides

This ensures all-around security, keeping passengers completely safe. The car is equipped with ballistic steel plating throughout, shatterproof ballistic glass, reinforced critical structure points such as fuel tanks, and proprietary security features. These elements all work together to ensure full-perimeter security while in the vehicle.

Underbody Armoring

Our underbody armoring protects from blasts underneath the car, safeguarding passengers from up to two DM51 hand grenades denoted simultaneously.

Ballistic Glass

This glass is shatterproof from every angle, providing complete protection. However, it still allows you to maintain a clear view so you can see what is happening around you. Carefully crafted, it replicates the curve of the OEM model, making it look no different than a regular car window.

Discreet Armoring

In order to not attract attention to yourself, your vehicle should not publicize to the world that it has been armored. We meticulously employ precision engineering to replicate the original OEM model, so your armor goes undetected by the public.

Door Assist Technology

Vehicle armor is heavy. We put in counterbalances to support the weight of the armored door, for effortless door opening.

Door Locking Mechanism

A bulletproof car can only protect you if it keeps you safe inside and prevents forced entry. Our door-locking mechanism is a proprietary system and protects passengers from brute-force entry attempts.

Door Overlap System

The seams of your doors are a vulnerable point in your vehicle. We prevent your door seams from ammunition penetration, keeping you safe inside the car.

Door Reinforcement

Reinforcing your doors is important for your safety. With heavy-duty hinges and ballistic plating, we make sure they are completely bulletproof.

Luxury Finishes

Last but not least, no vehicle would be complete without the premium features you’ve become accustomed to, so we only use the finest materials and masterful craftsmanship to produce high-end interiors.

Gallery: BR6 Ballistic Glass, Driver-Side Overlap, Rear Bulkhead Glass, PA System Controller, Reinforced Suspension

Armored Vehicle Cost vs. Quality

Your life is the most valuable thing you have, and it’s irreplaceable. So while armored cars are more expensive than a normal car, it’s definitely worth it when you’re talking about saving your life.

Now that you know the average price and what to expect, make sure you are looking for a reputable company to manufacture your bulletproof car. As with anything, some companies and people will undercut the price and use low-quality materials in their outfitting. Be sure to check the company’s certifications and reputation.

What is the Price of Used Armored Cars?

Buying an armored car is a priceless expense. As we mentioned above, buying a used armored car is an option if you’re looking to save some money on the price of your armored vehicle. The question that often gets asked is: Is it worth it?

Bulletproof vehicles have a shorter lifespan than other vehicles, typically only three to five years, because the armoring is extremely heavy on the car’s suspension. The vehicle can be reinforced, but that only pushes the lifespan to just over five years. If buying a used armored vehicle, make sure you find out the history of the vehicle and know exactly when it was armored. A ten-year-old vehicle is not worth the risk when talking about your life.

Buy Your Armored Vehicle from a Leader in the Industry

The decision to buy an armored car should not be taken lightly. When you choose to do so, you’ll want to look for a company that has experience and expertise in the industry, such as INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing – a global leader in bulletproof car manufacturing, specializing in the design and production of luxury armored cars, trucks, SUVs, sedans, and special purpose vehicles.

Renowned for our high-quality engineering, INKAS vehicles are certified to B6+ levels, and includes a lineup of VPAM certified vehicles – a third-party certification which has only been achieved by 5% of armored car manufacturers in the world.

We have implemented state-of-the-art technological innovations into our armored vehicles and continue to invest in the research and development of new technologies to keep our clients safe. With a proven track record, INKAS has been providing vehicles to the United Nations, United States Government, NATO, law enforcement agencies, special forces, corporations, and high net-worth individuals since 2000.

If you’re looking to buy an armored vehicle, contact our experts! We’d be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a quote.

Personal Vehicle Armor Kits

A quotation request form can be Found at the Bottom of the Page

Vehicle Armor Kits: For Handgun Protection Only!
Not everyone needs or can afford a fully armored vehicle. For our customers who only need protection from most handgun threats up to a .44 magnum handgun, we have developed vehicle armor kits for such applications. Our Vehicle Armor Kits consists of the following: A full set of our Curved Bullet Resistant Vehicle Glass to replace all of your vehicle’s existing glass. Flexible Kevlar Vehicle Armor Panels for all the side doors, rear quarter panels and rear of the vehicle. Finally, a set of our Run Flat Tire Inserts to make sure that you can keep moving even if all of your vehicles tires are shot out. Our Vehicle Armor Kits comes in two levels of protection: the first is a NIJ level II kit for protection from handguns such as .22, .38, .9mm, and .357 magnum. The second level of protection is a NIJ level IIIA kit that offers the added protection for handguns up to .44 magnum.

We provide several types of kits for vehicle protection, starting with our low cost Road Rage Protection Package for protection against “Smash & Grab” crime, physical assaults, attempted kidnappings and other such attacks. This system offers a level of protection that would be adequate for most everyday drivers and is priced accordingly!

For customers needing a higher level of protection, there is the Vehicle Armor Kit that provides handgun protection from .9 MM, .357, and .44 Magnum handguns and lesser threats. We do not offer Vehicle Armor Kits for Assault Rifle Protection. These kits are designed for most passenger vehicles or SUVs. Each Armor Kit comes with installation instructions, and can be shipped direct to your door. These kits have many advantages: low cost, lightweight, easy to install, and offers people seeking to armor their own vehicle a one stop source for the needed products.

Our Vehicle Armor Kits consist of the following:

1. Flex-Pro Armor Panels, for all doors and side walls. [Thermoformable] Flex-Pro Armor composites are readily cut and fabricated using commonly available tools a [saber saw with a knife blade will easily cut the panels] the cut panels can then be installed in a vehicle using glue, rivets, screws, or nuts & bolts with washers. Butt joints are ballistically weak; reinforce them with a min. 4″ wide strip of the same level of armor to cover any gaps in the panels.
2. A Full set of Curved Bullet Resistant Vehicle Glass, please note that our vehicle glass is not just Flat Sheet Bullet Resistant Glass that goes behind your existing glass, BUT is replaced with our Curved Glass that matches your original vehicles glass. Finished vehicle will look stock!. Some modifications are needed to make the side door glass operable.
3. A Set of (4) Run Flat Tire Inserts: Drive a min. of 30 miles at 30 mph with all 4 of your tires flat. Protection from: road debris, potholes, air leaks, to ballistics.
4. Installation Instructions.

Vehicle Kit Options:
Vehicle Floor Fragmentation / Bomb Blanket Protection
Flex-Pro 50″x 41″ Armor Panels for roof, engine compartment, or other areas.

Each Vehicle Armor Kit comes with installation instructions, and can be shipped direct to your door.

Vehicle Armor Kits have many advantages: low cost, lightweight, easy to install. They offer fleet vehicle users, armored vehicle builders and others seeking to armor their own vehicles a one-stop source for these products.

Another consideration for our Vehicle Armor Kits is that some countries have prohibited the importation of armored passenger vehicles or add exorbitant import duties or taxes, some as high as 70% of the vehicle cost! Pricing is from around $14,000.00 and up depending on the vehicle and level of protection. Some vehicles may cost more.

Please note: specifications and information listed on this page are subject to change without notice.

Pricing and sales for 2014 to 2023 year vehicles years only! Sorry, No exceptions !

We will not respond to pricing requests outside of 2014 to 2023 year vehicles

A few things to consider before requesting a price quotation:
Pricing starts at around $14,000. for a small sized vehicle @ NIJ Level II.
* Modifications are needed to the vehicle door for the glass installation.
* Is your vehicle a good fit to install our Vehicle Armor Kit?

Please Note : Some vehicles are not well suited for the installation of our Vehicle Armor Kits, such as small compact cars: Any Tesla Models, Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, Ford Mustang, BMW Mini Cooper, Etc. and or any convertible top vehicle.

* Vehicles that are well suited for our Vehicle Armor Kits are: Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Landcruiser, Pick Up Trucks or other such heavy duty 4 wheel drive vehicles. We may not be able to provide a price quotation for all requests.

In addition to submitting the below Quotation Request Form!
We also require a phone call from you before a price quotation will be provided.

513-281-6700 M-F 9:AM To -5:PM: EST: USA