Abstract: A cover assembly for concealing a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system in a vehicle passenger compartment is formed as an integral part of an automotive instrument panel. The cover assembly has a perforated substrate of ductile metal. The perforations are diamond shaped and form a lattice of stretchable cross members. Selected cross members are weakened to define a door edge. The inflating airbag pushes against the lattice to stretch and deform the cross members so as to create an opening at the door edge for deployment of the airbag into the passenger compartment. The cover assembly includes a decorative vinyl shell and a foam layer between the shell and substrate. The vinyl shell includes weakened sections aligned with the door edge of the substrate.