Alloy refurbs – BJV, Lepsons or Lloyd (wheeldoctor)
Discussion
Looking to get a set of Ultralite ATECs refurbed and changed in colour from bronze to gunmetal / graphite.
After a bit of browsing I have limited my choices down to BJV engineering, Lepsons or Lloyd at The Wheel Doctor Eversley. BJV engineering seem to be highly rated on here but a wider search on the web reveals some rather negative feedback. Lepsons get good feedback but come at a higher price. Lloyd seems highly rated on here and other forums but I believe lacks the big company behind him.
After a bit of browsing I have limited my choices down to BJV engineering, Lepsons or Lloyd at The Wheel Doctor Eversley. BJV engineering seem to be highly rated on here but a wider search on the web reveals some rather negative feedback. Lepsons get good feedback but come at a higher price. Lloyd seems highly rated on here and other forums but I believe lacks the big company behind him.
I used BJV on my audi a4 quattro sport alloys, I had them done in black chrome. Looked great but my only criticism was that the original centre caps had bubbled, I asked if I should provide new ones to be sprayed, they said they would rub them down to flat so there was no point. Upon collection all they had done was spray over the top, no rubbing down of centre caps, bubbling still present.
Also the range of colours they have is slightly limited. One gunmetal grey as far as I can remember. The finish of the wheels was perfect, shame they just ignored my question and rushed part of the job. Though this was all 4 years ago so they may be brilliant now.
Also the range of colours they have is slightly limited. One gunmetal grey as far as I can remember. The finish of the wheels was perfect, shame they just ignored my question and rushed part of the job. Though this was all 4 years ago so they may be brilliant now.
Have used BJV a few times, but the quality of the finish has always been a bit hit-or-miss. Runs in the paint, dry patches etc.
Recently had my wheels done by Premier Wheels in Coulsdon, Surrey. Excellent service, finish and they powder-coat the wheels, which is a lot more durable than the water-based paint finishes used by BJV. The price wasn't much more either - at £200 for a set of 17" wheels (2 17x9 and 2 17x10).
Recently had my wheels done by Premier Wheels in Coulsdon, Surrey. Excellent service, finish and they powder-coat the wheels, which is a lot more durable than the water-based paint finishes used by BJV. The price wasn't much more either - at £200 for a set of 17" wheels (2 17x9 and 2 17x10).
Tempted to go for Lepsons due to the praise they seem to get. My only reservation at the moment is that they have quoted £252 plus VAT so looking at just over £300, plus the Swindon branch don’t collect so I would need to drive 1 hour each way to deliver and collect them. Just waiting to see what Lloyd at The Wheel Doctor comes back with, but there seem to be too many negative reviews regarding BJV so going to stay away from them!
tr7v8 said:
MattOz said:
Have used Lepsons on 3 separate occasions and always been impressed with the finish. Very much a case of you get what you pay for.
That is my opinion as well.I used them for my Alpina Softlines and the finish was very good. Expensive however and I did have to correct them regarding the orientation of the Alpina badges (lock should be in the 6 o'clock position with the badge vertical) which they sorted out while I waited on collection.
I've heard very good things about Lepsons, but haven't used them.
I can vouch for BJV having used them numerous times with no issues. DK Engineering use them too which is reassuring.
1st Class Alloys in Lichfield are also pretty good and can do 4 wheels while you wait (for around 6 hours).
I can vouch for BJV having used them numerous times with no issues. DK Engineering use them too which is reassuring.
1st Class Alloys in Lichfield are also pretty good and can do 4 wheels while you wait (for around 6 hours).
Edited by theturbs on Tuesday 4th October 16:08
Still not heard back from Thewheeldoctor, its a shame that small companies are let down by communication when I am sure there work is great quality. Lepsons want £302 and BJV want £192, just got to work out if Lepsons are worth the difference!
Edited by wilbo83 on Wednesday 5th October 14:27
Today I've received my 17" M5 replica (winter) alloys back from BJV. They've had my business 3 times previously and always exceeded expectation, but this time it just looks 'ok'. I've taken some pictures, which I shall post up tonight. I'm not sure if I will let them refurbish my OEM 18"s next year when the winters go off again...
Quinten said:
Today I've received my 17" M5 replica (winter) alloys back from BJV. They've had my business 3 times previously and always exceeded expectation, but this time it just looks 'ok'. I've taken some pictures, which I shall post up tonight. I'm not sure if I will let them refurbish my OEM 18"s next year when the winters go off again...
There lies the problem, they just dont seem to be able to gain consistent good results, too many people just getting 'ok' results. Would really appreciate the photos but you may have just swayed my decision, shame as they were much cheaper but I guess that may be why!Before and after pictures
All pictures (and bigger sizes) are here: http://awooga.nl/gallery/cars/m5/upgrades/wheels
The colour I asked for was Shadow Chrome (so I could decide if they would look OEM), and I paid £215 (includes collection/delivery) for them. As these are only winter alloys, I'm not fussed about the quality of the work, but as above, I will think twice about sending my 18"s to them as well... I may just have to save up a few more pennies to get them send elsewhere.
All pictures (and bigger sizes) are here: http://awooga.nl/gallery/cars/m5/upgrades/wheels
The colour I asked for was Shadow Chrome (so I could decide if they would look OEM), and I paid £215 (includes collection/delivery) for them. As these are only winter alloys, I'm not fussed about the quality of the work, but as above, I will think twice about sending my 18"s to them as well... I may just have to save up a few more pennies to get them send elsewhere.
I used Lepsons in Gillingham for my 16" Saab Carlssons a year last May. Was a bit tricky as I couldn't find the exact colour code, but they managed to match it really well. Polished lip too and they looked absolutely fantastic on pickup. The plastic centre covers were matched pretty well which is notoriously difficult. Unfortunately the lacquer is crazing a little bit over the polished bits which is frustrating as they have only had summer use, but I was warned it might not last that long...
tjlazer said:
Bjv did a great job for me no issues at all and a very good price. If you are an a1 perfectionist or looking for a particular finish lepsons must be your first choice otherwise I'd give bjv a look...
Any before and after photos? I am not bothered about colour match as i will be having all 4 painted anyways, but dont want any runs in the finishtheturbs said:
I've heard very good things about Lepsons, but haven't used them.
I can vouch for BJV having used them numerous times with no issues. DK Engineering use them too which is reassuring.
1st Class Alloys in Lichfield are also pretty good and can do 4 wheels while you wait (for around 6 hours).
Any more before and after photos of work from BJV?I can vouch for BJV having used them numerous times with no issues. DK Engineering use them too which is reassuring.
1st Class Alloys in Lichfield are also pretty good and can do 4 wheels while you wait (for around 6 hours).
Edited by theturbs on Tuesday 4th October 16:08
Edited by wilbo83 on Thursday 6th October 18:49
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