How to fix center console upholstry tear

[bluebird]

I have a 1999 Explorer XLT and the center console is torn (see photos). It seems like a common tear since my arm sits on the console and wore it out.

I could go to a junk yard and replace the lid, but don't feel like driving, searching, and removing it from a junked car just for the lid. A used one online was about $50, but wouldn't it just tear again due to age.

I did see online a cover for the center console lid, but not sure if that would work. It seemed like the cover needed to be sewn on.

The easiest alternative is if I can just put tape across the tear. I was thinking of temporarily using duct tape (maybe black) but not sure if that will really stay in place.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

https://picasaweb.google.com/MaiPen...&authkey=Gv1sRgCIaRgpOG7eSLLw&feat=directlink

 

[koda2000]

I have a 1999 Explorer XLT and the center console is torn (see photos). It seems like a common tear since my arm sits on the console and wore it out.

I could go to a junk yard and replace the lid, but don't feel like driving, searching, and removing it from a junked car just for the lid. A used one online was about $50, but wouldn't it just tear again due to age.

I did see online a cover for the center console lid, but not sure if that would work. It seemed like the cover needed to be sewn on.

The easiest alternative is if I can just put tape across the tear. I was thinking of temporarily using duct tape (maybe black) but not sure if that will really stay in place.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

https://picasaweb.google.com/MaiPen...&authkey=Gv1sRgCIaRgpOG7eSLLw&feat=directlink

zealous interiors sells a new cover for around $12 ($17 w/shipping) and you can also get new foam if you need it. it's pretty easy to change the cover and it comes out looking like new. he also has a video showing you how to do it. www.zealousinteriors.com

BTW, when i got my new cover, the color didn't look right (looked too brown) but once you put it in the truck the green tint of the windows makes it a near perfect color match. the cover is held on with staples. all you need to change it is a phillips screw driver, pliers and a staple gun.

 

[bill06447]

Mine has a small tear. The problem I'm finding with used ones (and the same problem I discovered with mine) the black plastic support backing develops cracks around the screw holes and I can't seem to find this backing, though I can get a precut cover readily. Anyone know of an aftermarket source?

Bill

 

[bluebird]

zealous interiors sells a new cover for around $12 ($17 w/shipping) and you can also get new foam if you need it. it's pretty easy to change the cover and it comes out looking like new. he also has a video showing you how to do it. www.zealousinteriors.com

BTW, when i got my new cover, the color didn't look right (looked too brown) but once you put it in the truck the green tint of the windows makes it a near perfect color match. the cover is held on with staples. all you need to change it is a phillips screw driver, pliers and a staple gun.

Thanks for the insight. I checked out the site and it looks like a nice solution. I checked out the video and it looks pretty easy to fix. I also read online that I could just buy some material at a fabric store. Either solution requires a staple gun. In the end, the fabric will probably be cheaper, but may not last as long, though could be stylish.

 

[Blue91Ex]

dont use duct tape, i tried temp fixing a tear in my seat, that stuff works great for everything other than fabric, or things that get touched or rubbed against often (like an armrest or seat tear, which is obviously a high traffic spot)

 

[66427]

I bought mine straight from Ford. I don't remember the price as it was 6-7 years ago but I remember feeling like it was ok.
And the replacement has far outlasted the original. No signs of wear.

 

[FROADER]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164801&highlight=center+console

 

[1992fordgreen]

If you don't want to "search and poke around in the junkyard", you must not want the lid that much. The junkyard is your best bet. Cheapest and popular. Not 50 lousy bucks.

 

[razo164]

I just recently did this. The walkthrough Froader posted is excellent.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164801&highlight=center+console

It cost me 4 bucks for half a yard of fabric. Unfortunately I was not able to find a matching or any color grey. I covered the center console lid in black simulated leather which actually looks nice because it matches the center console bins.

Take your time tucking the front in make sure you get it right. I tried using a staple gun but it did not actually go through the plastic so I had to duct tape it to hold it all down.

 

[bluebird]

I just recently did this. The walkthrough Froader posted is excellent.

Very nice. I didn't think about putting relief cuts in the material. That should help for a better fit.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164801&highlight=center+console

It cost me 4 bucks for half a yard of fabric. Unfortunately I was not able to find a matching or any color grey. I covered the center console lid in black simulated leather which actually looks nice because it matches the center console bins.

Take your time tucking the front in make sure you get it right. I tried using a staple gun but it did not actually go through the plastic so I had to duct tape it to hold it all down.

I was thinking the same thing. I went to the fabric store and they had black pleather which felt very nice. The black color will match the center console cup holders and tray so should look nice. I bought a third of a yard and had a coupon for 40% off (Joann's). Total was $2. I could do three consoles for the material I got.

I am not sure what staples to use or staple gun to use. I have a heavy duty staple gun that can use T50 staples (1/4 inch), but not sure if that will crack the plastic. Online I saw the JT21 staples which look like the ones I pulled from the console. I don't think Home Depot sells the light duty staple gun. Maybe a hobby store might? I don't think a regular stapler would work?

 

[bluebird]

I finished with the console repair. The black pleather came out very nice. I just covered over the original one. The fit was pretty nice, and I just used duct tape to hold it in place (rather than staples), and put the screws back on. The staples look like they might crack the plastic backing, so the tape worked great since the screws and plastic cover is what holds the cover on.

It actually feels a lot better than the original, and it actually looks a lot better because of the contrast with the interior brown. The console now looks like one piece since the cupholders are black.

The only problem is that the padding is thicker and when I close the lid, it rubs against the back plate a little. Nothing too bad. Take a look.

https://picasaweb.google.com/MaiPen...&authkey=Gv1sRgCIaRgpOG7eSLLw&feat=directlink