Repair or Replace Center Console Lid

[08HoeCD]

My Tahoe has about 136K miles on it. The interior is pretty darn clean except for the front left area of the center console lid cover, since it's the point where driver's elbow rests & rubs on it during driving.

I've priced out replacing the entire lid assembly, which is anywhere from about $150 used to around $250 new, and I've priced replacing only the synthetic 'leather' cover itself, which runs as little as around $25 new. The process to recover/re-skin the existing console lid seems fairly simple. Wondering if anyone has actually done it and if it is something that takes 15 minutes or more like 2 hours. lol

 

[iamdub]

Even if it did take 2 hours, it's still 1/10th the cost of a whole new lid, which is unnecessary unless it's broken or cracked elsewhere. I've never replaced one, but I've done cloth to leather conversions so I'm familiar with the disassembling and reassembling of interiors. The console lid looks pretty straightforward. I checked mine out a while back just cuz (the leather is perfect), and it looks like once you removed the inside panel, you'd see how it attached. Of course, this is after you remove the lid from the console for ease of working. It's most likely stapled to the plastic frame. You can buy or borrow a pneumatic stapler for this project or use a good upholstery contact adhesive. Be sure to read the reviews on the leather kits to see how they fit and if you should expect extra labor with stretching, etc. to get it on. It may be worth your time and money to leave the lid at an auto trim/upholstery shop and let them recover it. They'll either sew up a new cover or they may know of a reputable supplier of quality pre-sewn kits and they'll already have the tools and knowledge to install it properly.

 

[08HoeCD]

Even if it did take 2 hours, it's still 1/10th the cost of a whole new lid, which is unnecessary unless it's broken or cracked elsewhere. I've never replaced one, but I've done cloth to leather conversions so I'm familiar with the disassembling and reassembling of interiors. The console lid looks pretty straightforward. I checked mine out a while back just cuz (the leather is perfect), and it looks like once you removed the inside panel, you'd see how it attached. Of course, this is after you remove the lid from the console for ease of working. It's most likely stapled to the plastic frame. You can buy or borrow a pneumatic stapler for this project or use a good upholstery contact adhesive. Be sure to read the reviews on the leather kits to see how they fit and if you should expect extra labor with stretching, etc. to get it on. It may be worth your time and money to leave the lid at an auto trim/upholstery shop and let them recover it. They'll either sew up a new cover or they may know of a reputable supplier of quality pre-sewn kits and they'll already have the tools and knowledge to install it properly.

Thanks for this great information.

I've watched a video on YouTube from a company that sells the replacement 'skin.' The process itself is straightforward, but I do not own a pneumatic stapler or compressor and do not know anyone who does. If I invest in that equipment, the total project cost is close to buying an entire pre-owned lid (about $150), so I'm wondering how well I can complete the task with only a manual staple gun---probably worth the try, provided I add proper upholstery adhesive for good measure.

 

[AppocAlexx]

Ill be replacing the skin as well. 2 hours is well worth my time when you get those kinds of results. Cant put a price on self satisfaction after you have completed something like that. But then once a couple days have passed you will forget about and look for something else to mod or repair lol

 

[08HoeCD]

S

Ill be replacing the skin as well. 2 hours is well worth my time when you get those kinds of results. Cant put a price on self satisfaction after you have completed something like that. But then once a couple days have passed you will forget about and look for something else to mod or repair lol

YUP.

Regarding the satisfaction factor, it's great to dig into something, figure it out and complete the repair or modification with good results. I made up my mind when I got into this rig that I'd make dealing with these issues my newest hobby, and it's become a fun activity even though there are occasional headaches.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I replaced one in an Acura once. Same issue you're having, with a new leather skin. I don't recall if it was held with staples, but I used a hot glue gun, kind that uses the long sticks, hot glued the hell out of it underneath, and it held great. Put it all together and it held firm. Just another option. Glue guns are cheap, just make sure you don't get one from a craft store, go manly, HF or Home Depot.

 

[08HoeCD]

Sounds good @Tonyrodz

 

[Fosscore]

Ill be replacing the skin as well. 2 hours is well worth my time when you get those kinds of results. Cant put a price on self satisfaction after you have completed something like that. But then once a couple days have passed you will forget about and look for something else to mod or repair lol

Couldn't have said the last bit better....it never ends..lol

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I'd give the $25 re-skin a shot.

 

[08HoeCD]

Couldn't have said the last bit better....it never ends..lol

View attachment 74730

WORD

 

[08HoeCD]

I'd give the $25 re-skin a shot.

THIS.
I just realized that my wife bought a (manual) staple gun for another project and I think I can get buy using that.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

THIS.
I just realized that my wife bought a (manual) staple gun for another project and I think I can get buy using that.

I've seen it done on other cars and it can look good. You may consider adding some extra padding in there too while you'd got it apart for a more plush feel. Not sure how that one feels from the factory but a lot of times the padding breaks down a bit or they have hardly any to begin with.

 

[Da90]

I just did mine. Took about an hour to get it lined up like I wanted and back in the truck. It was super easy and I used an electric staple gun. If you get the leather skin be sure and get a foam pad under it. The factory vinyl is foam backed and thicker. I didn't do it and you can see and feel the seams underneath. Not too big of a deal but that depends on how picky you are.

Link to where I got mine....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/190957426693

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[08HoeCD]

Just the kind of feedback I was hoping to see. Thanks for the pics and tips @Da90

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I just did mine. Took about an hour to get it lined up like I wanted and back in the truck. It was super easy and I used an electric staple gun. If you get the leather skin be sure and get a foam pad under it. The factory vinyl is foam backed and thicker. I didn't do it and you can see and feel the seams underneath. Not too big of a deal but that depends on how picky you are.

Link to where I got mine....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/190957426693




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Looks great! Do you use armor all on your seats or something? They look greasy

That is a "real leather" one too as opposed to synthetic. That's definitely worth an extra ~~$20 in my book.

 

[08HoeCD]

That is a "real leather" one too as opposed to synthetic. That's definitely worth an extra ~~$20 in my book.

Interesting point.
I'm kinda wondering about the 'pleather' vs leather in terms of durability, since my elbow rests on that lid cover almost 100% of the time as I drive.
Hmmmmm.........

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Interesting point.
I'm kinda wondering about the 'pleather' vs leather in terms of durability, since my elbow rests on that lid cover almost 100% of the time as I drive.
Hmmmmm.........

quality leather should last longer than a pleather. Probably feel nicer too. Since its something you'll obviously be resting your arm on all the time I'd say it would be worth it to me.

 

[08HoeCD]

quality leather should last longer than a pleather. Probably feel nicer too. Since its something you'll obviously be resting your arm on all the time I'd say it would be worth it to me.

Maybe so. But now I gotta figure out how to add cushioning material underneath the leather...and I have no clue.

Lol

 

[Tonyrodz]

THIS.
I just realized that my wife bought a (manual) staple gun for another project and I think I can get buy using that.

Just make sure the staples aren't too long or they might go through the other side, poking. Just wanted to mention that.

 

[Da90]

I used 1/4" staples


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