Abstract: An instrument panel for an automobile passenger compartment includes a substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface and defining an opening extending therethrough. An air bag door assembly is mounted to the outer surface of the substrate, and an air bag device is mounted adjacent the inner surface of the substrate and aligned with the opening formed within the substrate. The air bag door assembly includes a door panel that is mounted adjacent the opening formed within the substrate in a closed position. The door panel is pre-tensioned such that the door panel will substantially return to the closed position after deployment of the air bag through the opening within the substrate.

Abstract: A modular airbag door assembly includes an airbag chute having a front side and a rear side and defines an opening extending therethrough. A door panel is pivotally mounted to the front side of the airbag chute and covers the opening therein. The airbag door assembly further includes a plurality of weld studs extending from the rear side of the airbag chute. The weld studs are adapted to allow the airbag door assembly to be mounted to a substrate of an instrument panel with the rear side of the airbag chute being positioned against a front side of the substrate.