Interior Dash Paint Repair

[Vrink07]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the Xterra Nation Forums and have just recently purchased my first Gen.1 Xterra and I'm loving it. The past few days I noticed a black smudge/scratch on the passenger dash where the airbag compartment is. My OCD was killing me so I assumed it was just some sort of debris etc. Before I researched I thought that a Mr.Clean Magic Eraser would do the trick -Huge mistake! I thought it was coming off, but in doing so it actually created a bigger issue. Then I realized that the black smudge wasn't debris but it was actually where the paint was scratched/removed from the dashboard.

So my question/s at this point are:
What can I do to fix this?
Should I repaint it?
Cover it up with a sticker/vinyl?
Or...Deal with it.

I would greatly appreciate any help/ advice you can give me on this!
(attached is the picture of the damage that makes me cringe)

 

[crazikyle]

Well, its just the airbag cover so it should be an easily replaceable part. If I were in your position I'd check my local junkyards for one. You might get lucky and find one in a matching color for cheap.

I've had decent luck at junkyards for replacement parts.

 

[Vrink07]

Well, its just the airbag cover so it should be an easily replaceable part. If I were in your position I'd check my local junkyards for one. You might get lucky and find one in a matching color for cheap.

I've had decent luck at junkyards for replacement parts.

Thanks for the info! I assumed I wouldn’t be able to replace the airbag cover since ya know..airbag haha.

I’ll do some research and check it out. If I can remove it I could potentially paint it as well.