Abstract: An instrument panel cover arrangement used for covering an airbag module mounted beneath an instrument panel cover in a vehicle and method of making the same is disclosed. The arrangement includes a rigid substrate forming the instrument panel cover and having inner and outer surfaces and a hidden door configured in the substrate aligned with the underlying airbag module. The hidden door is removably securely to the substrate so as to be flushly aligned with the outer surface of the substrate and is defined by a thinned portion relative to the substrate outlining a perimeter of the hidden door. The thinned portion defines a first relief in the inner surface of the substrate. A plurality of cut lines generally define an airbag deployment opening and extend entirely through the substrate at a location corresponding to the first relief.

Abstract: An instrument panel cover arrangement used for covering an airbag module mounted beneath an instrument panel cover in a vehicle and method of making the same is disclosed. The arrangement includes a rigid substrate forming the instrument panel cover and having inner and outer surfaces and a hidden door configured in the substrate aligned with the underlying airbag module. The hidden door is removably securely to the substrate so as to be flushly aligned with the outer surface of the substrate and is defined by a thinned portion relative to the substrate outlining a perimeter of the hidden door. The thinned portion defines a first relief in the inner surface of the substrate. A plurality of cut lines generally define an airbag deployment opening and extend entirely through the substrate at a location corresponding to the first relief.