A Padded Center Console

I like to use the lid of the center console as an arm rest. Of course, the drawback to this is that it can get very hot and it isn't terribly comfortable. There are the stick-on pads but those just don't look right. So being the inventive guy that I am (plus having some knowledge of woodworking) I decided I could make a new lid that was leather wrapped and padded. Documented below is my first attempt. It's not leather wrapped, I haven't found any place that sells leather yet, but it is padded.

The first step was to make a new lid out of wood. I made this one out of pine since it is easy to shape. The picture shows the top view right after applying a coat of polycrylic. I coated it with polycrylic to keep it from absorbing moisture (so it won't grow and shrink with changes in humidity).

Here you can see the bottom view. I used a chisel to carve out the areas for the latch and hinges. I reinforced the hinge area with epoxy and fiberglass. Getting the hinge cutouts right was the hardest part.

I also painted the lid black so that it matches the interior better. I just used a can I had laying around.

I have a bunch of these foam pieces. I don't remember where they came from but every now and then, they are useful. I cut a piece to fit on the top. It doesn't have to be perfect. It does work better if the foam is the same length as the lid. I first tried it with the foam slightly shorter and it didn't look right.

I bought a piece of black vinyl fabric from a fabric store. Here it is wrapped around the lid and foam. I have no idea what I'm doing so the ends turned out really crappy. If anyone knows how to wrap the fabric around the complex curves and have it look nice, let me know. I used a staple gun to attach the vinyl to the wood. If/when I do this right, I also plan to glue the vinyl to the wood.

Here it is with the hinges and latch attached.

Here it is mounted back on the center console. Notice that I didn't make an attachment for the little plastic piece that limits how far the lid opens. What's the point, the lid can only open so far before it hits the passenger seat.

It closes and latches just like the original. The vinyl even matches with other vinyl in the car. The lock (such as it is) even works since I did drill out a hole on the back of the lid for it.

Disclaimer: While the various articles here "appear" to be step-by-step, there may be important information not explicitly stated. Use of this material is at your own risk. You assume total responsibility and liability for your actions including but not limited to damage to any vehicle or person.