A worthwhile job as the black plastic shroud isn't the most attractive of designs.

I did something similar to expose the steering column ribs, fabricated a plastic closure plate with internal stiffeners all superglued together and reinforced with fibreglass resin. Sprayed to match the car colour.

[Linked Image]

Chris

2015 Plus 4 Silverlake Blue
(2014 3.7 Roadster Crystal Blue)
(2012 4/4 Sport Black)