We all know the familiar story: your second generation Ford Explorer's center console lid vinyl is torn. First, it's a little tear. Then, it grows and grows and finally you're fed up with the way it looks. Now, it's time to fix it, but you don't know the best course of action. Tweed was so 80's, and those fabrics from your local Rag Shop aren't cutting it. Luckily, there's a solution out there for you: revinyl kits that are sold on eBay Motors all of the time. The result is a revinyled center console lid that not only perfectly matches your stock vinyl, but is significantly superior in durability and wear. Whether you choose to revinyl your center console lid yourself or send it to them to be done professionally, you're only a few steps away from a restored center console lid.
Nobody likes crack
I finally decided recently to revinyl my center console lid and I took a chance on the revinyl kits sold on eBay. I used the eBay "Power Seller" member revinyl4 (hereon referred to as this name) and except for the positive feedback number approaching 1300, I had no real platform to judge how good of a product I was about to purchase. Most of the members on our Forums had not opted to use eBay kits - they looked in local stores or chose a different type of surface.
Convenience of choice
Not willing to part with my center console lid, and seeing the potential for a writeup guide on how to revinyl the kit, I decided to purchase the "Do it Yourself" revinyl kit. I paid the low price of $14.99 and $6.99 shipping charge, which was perfectly reasonable in my eyes. Some may argue that they can go to a local store and pick up the material for less, but I didn't want to be bothered with trying to custom cut the vinyl for the center console and trying to guess how to install it. I also didn't feel like playing guessing games with the vinyl color. Revinyl4 advertises that they have a perfect match for each factory center console lid color, and you can easily make your selection by simply suppling them with your interior color code or simply specifying your preference (for me, I chose "Dark Gray") at the time of purchase.
In only a matter of days, I had a small tube mailed by USPS at my doorstep. Inside of the tube was the vinyl, pre-cut for installation, a copy of my receipt, and detailed installation instructions. I was pleasantly surprised with the vinyl match - it really was a perfect color match, and the quality is definitely there. Revinyl4 advertises that the factory OEM durability quality for the center console vinyl is only 20,000 "double rubs", and the vinyl they supply you with is good for 100,000 "double rubs." I'm not sure what exactly a double rub is, but let's just say that the numbers say enough.
The ease of installation
Once I had the time, I decided to go head first into the installation. All that is required is a staple gun, 1/4" staples, a philips head screwdriver, and optionally you may use super glue to maintain a tighter seal. I read the directions and step by step I easily removed the underlying bracket; took off the old, ripped vinyl; and began to install the new vinyl. Step by step, the instructions were good and luckily each pre-cut corner of the vinyl is numbered on the instructions with a key so you know exactly which corner(s) to fold and staple each step of the way. While the installation can definitely be done with only one person, it might not be a bad idea to have two sets of hands so one person can help pull the vinyl edges and the other can staple it into place for the tightest possible fit. Next thing you know, I was screwing the bracket back on and installing the center console lid back in my Sport. The entire process was painless, and took no more than 15 minutes.
Crack free
Overall, I highly recommend the revinyl kit to anyone who has a cracked vinyl center console lid. Whether you want them to handle the revinyl you or if you want to save a few extra dollars and not part with your lid, installing the kit yourself is painless. The low price and shipping charge is a rarity on eBay these days, and the seller is very reputable. Spending upwards of $70 or more for another factory center console lid makes no sense, especially since you're just as likely to have the same problem again. There's no excuse to have a cracked lid, especially when a fix can be prescribed for less than $20 - probably half of what you spend on gas to fill a tank. Don't do what I did and wait forever - get it done today.
Overall Score: 10/10
Highs:
- Can't beat the price
- Option to do it yourself or have them do it for you is convenient
- Perfect color match, and they offer all factory colors
- Easy installation - 15 to 20 minutes tops
Lows:
- None
Feel free to discuss this in our dedicated forum thread.
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ExplorerX is a dedicated Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln Aviator, and Saleen Explorer XP6/XP8 enthusiast community. We have focused for years on the aggressive side of Explorer customizing, and have grown into a very loyal community. While countless are shying away from SUV's, our members are spending extra cash on modifying their Explorer to become truly unique.
