So this is what I made with stained 1/8" birch furniture plywood. I cut away some of the old vinyl and foam. Tried to fasten it with Velcro first, but a small bead of clear silicone sealant worked much better. (You could maybe also cut this piece from an old matching wood grain glove box door.) Make sure to leave enough room for coin tray removal at the back, to get to the rear console mounting screw.
BEFORE:
Just an idea for any other cheapo "just a driver" non-purists out there.