Abstract: A removable plastic automobile boss has a body formed with a bore for receiving a threaded fastener. A flat seating flange is formed on the front portion of the body, the flange including left and right ears respectively protruding outwardly from the left and right sides of the body. Top and bottom ramp-shaped engagement abutments are formed on the body. Further, a slit is formed on the body such that the top and bottom engagement abutments ride against the periphery of an instrument panel receptacle when the boss is advanced into the receptacle, thereby causing the top and bottom halves to be urged toward each other to permit the boss to be fully inserted into the receptacle. The front portion snappingly resumes an engaged configuration when the engagement abutments clear the periphery to sandwich the periphery between the engagement abutments and the seating flange to engage the boss with the instrument panel.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel structure is provided for extending transversely across the width of a vehicle interior forwardly of a vehicle occupant seat. The instrument panel structure includes an upstanding backing plate having a layer of foam material thereon covered by a decorative covering. The backing plate is a unitary member formed of a plastic material. A pair of spaced apart elongated horizontally extending box-like protuberances are provided on one portion of the lower section of the backing plate in the path of occupant knee travel which may occur during sudden deceleration of the vehicle.