Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover retention system wherein the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the associated wheel includes a unique construction for securing a wheel cover to the wheel. In particular, the vehicle wheel includes a disc which defines an outboard facing wheel surface and includes an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange. The outboard tire bead seat retaining flange includes an outer surface having a circumferential, radially inwardly facing groove formed therein. A relatively thin wheel cover (which may or may not conform to the exact contour of the disc) covers at least a portion of the outboard facing wheel disc surface. In particular, the wheel cover includes an outer annular lip which extends into the groove.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover retention system wherein the outboard tire bead seat retaining flange of the associated wheel includes a unique construction for securing a wheel cover to the wheel. In particular, the vehicle wheel includes a disc which defines an outboard facing wheel surface and includes an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange. The outboard tire bead seat retaining flange includes an outer surface having a circumferential, radially inwardly facing groove formed therein. A relatively thin wheel cover (which may or may not conform to the exact contour of the disc) covers at least a portion of the outboard facing wheel disc surface. In particular, the wheel cover includes an outer annular lip which extends into the groove.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing the same includes a wheel disc and a wheel cover secured thereto. The wheel disc defines an outboard facing wheel surface and includes an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange. The outboard bead seat retaining flange includes an outer peripheral end and an inner surface having at least one annular groove formed therein. The wheel cover covers at least a portion of the outboard facing wheel surface and the entire portion of the outer peripheral end of the outboard bead seat retaining flange, and includes an outer end. The wheel cover is secured to the wheel disc by an adhesive/sealant. In particular, the adhesive/sealant is disposed in the annular groove to secure the outer end of the wheel cover to the outer peripheral end of the wheel disc and to provide a seal to prevent water, mud, salt and other debris from entering between the outer end of the wheel cover and the outer peripheral end of the wheel disc.

Abstract: A wheel applique is secured to a wheel using a method that changes the dimensions of one or both elements during an abutment phase of the method. The method includes the heating of the wheel so that a diameter defined by a rim flange protrusion grows thus providing clearance for the wheel applique to pass by it. Once the wheel applique has passed by the rim flange protrusion, the wheel is cooled to ambient temperature eliminating the clearance and resulting in the wheel applique being locked against the wheel due to the positive engagement of the periphery of the wheel applique and the rim flange protrusion of the wheel.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a decorative exterior facing to a standard vehicle rim. The method allows an exterior facing to be applied to a standard rim using a bonding material and without modifying the rim and without a mechanical fastener.