Automotive wheel having decorative surface

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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A wheel assembly, comprising: 
 a rim having at least one face surface including an axially extending outer flange around a periphery of said face surface; and    an exterior facing having a round configuration generally corresponding with a shape of said at least one face including a radially outer edge which wraps at least partially around said flange of said rim, said exterior facing being applied to said at least one face with a single silicone bonding material;    wherein said rim and said exterior facing are free from any mechanical locking means and other fixturing means other than said single bonding material for holding said exterior facing against said rim.    
     
     
         2 . The wheel assembly according to    claim 1   , wherein said silicone bonding material is stretchable to at least 200% of a cured thickness without breaking.  
     
     
         3 . The wheel assembly according to    claim 1   , further comprising a tire mounted on said rim.