Abstract: A wheel cover mold assembly is provided for all wheel cover styles of a particular wheel diameter and mounting system. The mold assembly includes a top and a bottom base. The top base carries a mold cavity plate and the bottom base carries a mold core plate. The mold cavity plate and mold core plate include cavity surfaces defining the configuration of a specific wheel cover. The bottom mold base additionally includes a core retainer plate, inserts and/or cores which define, in cooperation with the mold core plate, mold cavity portions for a wheel cover mounting system common to various wheel cover styles. If the mounting system comprises an annular grip ring, for example, the inserts or cores cooperate with the core plate to form a grip ring receiving channel on the inner face of the wheel cover. If the mounting system includes individual mounting clips, the mold inserts configure the mold cavity for clip receiving sockets which project axially from the inner face of the wheel cover.

Abstract: A metal applique is configured to conform to the shape of the outer face of a stock vehicle wheel. The face of the applique is finished with a selected surface treatment such as chrome plate, brushed metal, paint, machining etc. A stratum comprising an acrylic adhesive coated foam core is adhered to the inner face of the applique. The applique is bonded to the outer face of the vehicle wheel after removing a release film to expose the acrylic adhesive. The bond is achieved by registering the applique with the face of the wheel and applying compressive force.

Abstract: A conceal band for a painted or chromed stylized steel vehicle wheel overlies an annular concave peripheral channel of a wheel rim to conceal unsightly surfaces and wheel balance weights. The band, formed of sheet steel, is generally concave in transverse cross section facing the wheel and is of a radial width sufficient to overly and conceal the channel. The band carries a plurality of mounting clips retained between opposed inturned peripheral edges of the band. Each clip includes an arcuate body which spans radially across the band between the peripheral edges of the band. A cantilever leaf spring section projects beyond a radially outer end of the body with the leaf spring section being connected to the body by a sharp bend. The leaf spring section includes a curved engagement surface which is biased against the concave peripheral channel to retain the band.