An air bag system for use as a vehicle safety restraint, and a method for installing an air bag in a vehicle. The system comprises a folded air bag, means for securing the air bag to an instrument panel armature of the vehicle (e.g. by studs), a gas generator for inflating the air bag, a flexible air bag cover, a layer of foam preferably bonded to the cover, and layer of skin preferably bonded to the foam. The skin is of a material and finish consistent with the decorative finish to the vehicle and has a line of weakness adapted to split when subjected to a predetermined pressure such as that generated by the air bag inflating, to release the inflating air bag through the cover and the foam and skin layers. Preferably the line of weakness is arranged to perpendicularly intersect the direction of gas flow from the inflator so that release of the gas applies a point pressure on the line of weakness causing the skin to effectively zipper open and release the air bag. This system obviates the need for an expensive air bag deployment door and is more aesthetically pleasing to the vehicle owner since unsightly visible tear seams and door edges are eliminated.