A car's console lid takes a lot of wear and tear -- it's frequently handled, and is also used as an armrest in many vehicles. This frequent wear will lead to rips, tears and holes in the vinyl that covers the console lid. Sun exposure, combined with the high temperatures that are common inside an enclosed vehicle, can cause the vinyl to fade and it often becomes brittle. This can result in cracking that's unsightly and uncomfortable if you're using the console lid as an armrest.
Open the console lid and remove the screws that are affixing the hinge plates to the underside of the lid.
Remove the staples that are affixing the vinyl console cover to the underside of the lid. Grasp each staple with pliers and pull them straight out.
Remove the old vinyl console cover and place it atop the the new vinyl. Use the old console cover as a template and use a pencil to trace its outline onto the new vinyl.
Cut the new piece of vinyl to size, using the pencil outline as a guide.
Place the new vinyl face down on a flat surface and position the console lid atop the vinyl. The underside of the lid should be facing the ceiling.
Wrap the vinyl around the console lid and insert staples every 1/2 inch to attach the excess vinyl to the underside of the lid.
Expose the screw holes for the hinges by using a straight-edge razor blade to cut a hole in the overlying vinyl.
Re-install the console lid by screwing the hinge plate to the underside of the lid.
