Helirich
01-23-2022, 09:05 PM
Warning! Purists do not proceed. All others have a look.
I was surprised to find no cup holders on my D. My wife can’t go anywhere without a drink and I like a place to put one too. So I checked out what was available and eventually designed my own. I came up with this.
67927
It served my needs, but I wanted more. Specifically, I wanted some hidden storage in a center console. I figured I could design something that would incorporate everything I want. First thing I did was remove this.
67928
I thought about cutting this up to make my new console, but I wanted to be able to go back if I didn’t like what I built. So it went on the shelf. That left me with this.
67929
I was amazed that the hump cover was made basically of cardboard. I would have liked to cut some of it out for room, but again I wanted to be able to return to stock. I was worried if I cut it, it maybe too weak. The first order of the day was to get a shape to hold the window switches. I came up with this.
67931
Then I made the same shape 7 1/2” wide.
67932
Made some end covers and fit it.
67940
The hump cover really has no strength. I really have to recommend nobody lean on your stock console. So I made this Z bracket to hold up the back of my console. It bolts to the stock mount bolts and can remain even if I go back to stock.
67930
I proceeded to make a long box to attach on the back.
67933
Cutting these holes was a bugger.
67934
After a bit of trimming and filing, it didn’t look to bad.
67935
Next item on the agenda was the cigarette lighter socket. I don’t smoke and do not allow smoking in my car, but I wanted the socket for accessories. I donÂ’t like the looks of it in the stock location. So I made a mount inside the console.
67936
Finally, I made a top cover with holes for the cups.
67937
All riveted, painted and upholstered.
67938
The cover hinges at the back. You can easily open it enough to get sunglasses or a phone without dumping your drinks because they are close to the hinge.
67939
If any of you are considering such a project, I will review mine.
Pros
-The 1/2” foam padding under the vinyl is great on your arm. We all know the stock padding has a lot to be desired.
-The window switches are more ergonomic. (I really didn’t expect that)
-The storage is great. If you’re like me, I can’t even get in my stock glove box from the drivers seat. I like “stuff” out of sight.
-The front cup holder is easy to get to for the driver and doesn’t interfere with shifting at all.
-I like the hidden 12 V socket
Cons
-Of course, it’s not stock
-I didn’t realize when I built it, that it is to long to hinge all the way back because it hits the ceiling. Not sure if that’s needed, but I don’t like it. (It does go almost 90 degrees.)
-The vinyl didn’t match perfectly.
Mixed feelings
I’ve only driven about 20 miles in test. I’m not sure about the height. I can rest my arm on it and the shift knob is perfect in my hand, but it feels like it might be too high. I need to drive it more to decide if I like it. My upholstery job was not up to snuff. It’s not terrible, but I learned a bit doing it. The next one will be better. I’m going to drive this awhile and work out any changes before I do it again.
Changes
At this point, I’m pretty sure I will move or add a hinge just in front of the cup holder. I also think I need two plastic inner cups mounted inside so a “sweating” cup will not get water on documents inside. I will line the bottom with vinyl to silence any rattle of items in the box. If I decide to lower the rest, it would be nice to utilize the dead space under the cardboard to keep the same amount of room in the box.
In closing, I have to say, I have no interest in making these for sale, but I will help anyone who wants to make their own with more pics or dimensions.
I was surprised to find no cup holders on my D. My wife can’t go anywhere without a drink and I like a place to put one too. So I checked out what was available and eventually designed my own. I came up with this.
67927
It served my needs, but I wanted more. Specifically, I wanted some hidden storage in a center console. I figured I could design something that would incorporate everything I want. First thing I did was remove this.
67928
I thought about cutting this up to make my new console, but I wanted to be able to go back if I didn’t like what I built. So it went on the shelf. That left me with this.
67929
I was amazed that the hump cover was made basically of cardboard. I would have liked to cut some of it out for room, but again I wanted to be able to return to stock. I was worried if I cut it, it maybe too weak. The first order of the day was to get a shape to hold the window switches. I came up with this.
67931
Then I made the same shape 7 1/2” wide.
67932
Made some end covers and fit it.
67940
The hump cover really has no strength. I really have to recommend nobody lean on your stock console. So I made this Z bracket to hold up the back of my console. It bolts to the stock mount bolts and can remain even if I go back to stock.
67930
I proceeded to make a long box to attach on the back.
67933
Cutting these holes was a bugger.
67934
After a bit of trimming and filing, it didn’t look to bad.
67935
Next item on the agenda was the cigarette lighter socket. I don’t smoke and do not allow smoking in my car, but I wanted the socket for accessories. I donÂ’t like the looks of it in the stock location. So I made a mount inside the console.
67936
Finally, I made a top cover with holes for the cups.
67937
All riveted, painted and upholstered.
67938
The cover hinges at the back. You can easily open it enough to get sunglasses or a phone without dumping your drinks because they are close to the hinge.
67939
If any of you are considering such a project, I will review mine.
Pros
-The 1/2” foam padding under the vinyl is great on your arm. We all know the stock padding has a lot to be desired.
-The window switches are more ergonomic. (I really didn’t expect that)
-The storage is great. If you’re like me, I can’t even get in my stock glove box from the drivers seat. I like “stuff” out of sight.
-The front cup holder is easy to get to for the driver and doesn’t interfere with shifting at all.
-I like the hidden 12 V socket
Cons
-Of course, it’s not stock
-I didn’t realize when I built it, that it is to long to hinge all the way back because it hits the ceiling. Not sure if that’s needed, but I don’t like it. (It does go almost 90 degrees.)
-The vinyl didn’t match perfectly.
Mixed feelings
I’ve only driven about 20 miles in test. I’m not sure about the height. I can rest my arm on it and the shift knob is perfect in my hand, but it feels like it might be too high. I need to drive it more to decide if I like it. My upholstery job was not up to snuff. It’s not terrible, but I learned a bit doing it. The next one will be better. I’m going to drive this awhile and work out any changes before I do it again.
Changes
At this point, I’m pretty sure I will move or add a hinge just in front of the cup holder. I also think I need two plastic inner cups mounted inside so a “sweating” cup will not get water on documents inside. I will line the bottom with vinyl to silence any rattle of items in the box. If I decide to lower the rest, it would be nice to utilize the dead space under the cardboard to keep the same amount of room in the box.
In closing, I have to say, I have no interest in making these for sale, but I will help anyone who wants to make their own with more pics or dimensions.