Abstract: An automobile instrument panel with a flexible steering column closeout and a method for assembling the same. The instrument panel is comprised of a structural backing member with a cavity formed therethrough for receiving a steering column. A flexible backing member is disposed over the cavity and attached to the structural backing. A layer of foam is then used to cover both the structural backing and the flexible backing. The foam layer retains the flexible backing against the structural backing, while creating a more aesthetic look for the instrument panel. An opening to accommodate the steering column is cut through both the foam layer and the flexible backing in an area located over the cavity portion of the structural backing, thereby forming a flexible closeout. The flexible closeout closes the gap between the steering column and instrument panel while still allowing for unimpeded displacement of the column relative to the instrument panel.

Abstract: A retention clip for securing a trim piece to a vehicle. The retention clip includes a trim piece affixing portion, a first leg member, and second leg member that extends from a head portion. The trim piece affixing portion is defined by at least one pair of grips that includes a plurality of retention barbs. Each first and second leg member is defined by a first leg portion, an intermediate knee portion, and a second leg portion. Each second leg portion is defined by a first and second length and a first and second deployment angle, respectively. The retention clip has a resilient retention feature that allows the retention clip to deform inwardly to during installation, then outwardly when affixing a trim piece to a vehicle in order to provide a perpendicular biasing force and a later, outboard biasing force.