Different approach to cup holders

[tjmotter]

I like the fact that the cup holder tucks way. It holds my Starbucks coffee cups very well and it seems to blend in well. Also, it doesn't even come close to the shifter (even with the FFR supplied forward shifter installed).

Thoughts?

http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd374/tjmotter/CupHolder.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd374/tjmotter/Interior4-11-12.jpg

[VD2021]

Nice,
My 1997 Mitsubishi Galant had the same cup holder.

[riptide motorsport]

very nice I prefer that method better.

[frankeeski]

Not bad, not bad at all.

[Bob Cowan]

My mother's Subaru has something very similar. There's a warning label on it that says it's not to be used while driving, or something like that. One of the things we laugh about every time we drive the car.

[gofastoldguy]

TJ...how about some details on the parts used? Thx Bill

[tjmotter]

TJ...how about some details on the parts used? Thx Bill

It wasn't too hard really. Parts required:

1) cup holder and supporting brackets from a mid-90's Toyota Corolla. - pick-your-part - $10
2) a chunk of wood from Home Depot (I used a stair tread that was on sale, nice and thick) - $15
3) a left over piece of aluminum for the face.
4) a piece of 3M Carbon Fibre film: http://www.carbonfiberfilm.com/?gclid=CKmF__irma8CFYRgTAodHligvg - $30

I mocked up the console using pieces of cardboard to get the right shape for the sides. I then cut a piece of wood to fit across the top and cut the ends so that they matched the angles of the tranny tunnel. I built another for the bottom to create a support bracket. Next, I used a router to cut a small groove on each side and the top board for the leather covered front aluminum plate to slide into. I then used a biscuit joiner and glue to attach the top and bottom pieces of wood to the side frames but inset the bottom so that the aluminum/leather piece could slide past it. After dry fitting everything I cut out the holes for the seat heater switches, power outlet and stereo/cup holder (cup holder brackets from the Corolla also include the stereo mount). Once assembled, I used the 3M product to cover it with a carbon fibre look. Reinstalled the front plate: switches etc. and slide the Corolla bracket with the stereo/cup holder already assembled. It turns out that it was easy to bend the stereo/cup holder bracket mounting plates so that they could screw into the top/bottom brackets. Last, I slid the whole thing into place. I also built a simple locking mechanism that holds it tight to the dash by using a small "L" bracket screwed into the top of the console just behind the dash and then running a bolt through it with nuts on both sides of "L" bracket so that it applies pressure to the dash holding the whole thing in place.

I even had room to put some small speakers in the sides of the console but you can't really see them in the pics.

HTH
Todd

[Pierre B]

I guess I am a renegade here. I have no cup holders and really don't miss not having any. For me, holding the cup would be one thing, and keeping the liquid in the cup would be another! I think the latter would be near impossible with my FFR, and I sure wouldn't want anything to spill. This is a very nice, understated solution to the problem, though, and it is something I would seriously consider under different circumstances.