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Cup Holder Hack


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#1 Marc_mcq

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 04:34 PM

Afternoon Chaps,


EDIT: See post 31 (page 3) for Rev 2.0!


As we all know, one thing we all take for granted in modern cars is cup holders or even just somewhere to dump your pockets into whilst driving. After browsing on here and struggling to find something that would fit with my mini without a center console/ armrest I thought I'd try and butcher something up myself... It's actually turned out OK and looks pretty OEM! Best of all, It only cost £5.68.

36853919942_67170a8b35_c.jpg

It started out life like this: (eBay link)

http://www.ebay.co.u...AAAAOSw42dZIosI

Removed the gear gaitor securing ring (not a clue if that's actually what its called). Removed a bit of metal around the front edge to allow it to follow the curve of the cup holder and also a bit along the rear edge to allowe it to sit in the plastic tray. Then had to cut a couple of small channels into the sides to allow it to fit into the tray. Once slotted in roughly, I then traced around the inner ring onto the tray. The I removed the gaitor ring again, and cut a big hole where I had traced (plus a couple of mm for extra clearance). Then I slotted the gaitor ring in again.

Hopefully the photos explain it better:

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36853921142_e17b38ffda_c.jpg

36627851640_17b8071033_c.jpg

Then it's simply a case of refitting!

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Thanks for looking!

Marc

Edited by Marc_mcq, 06 September 2017 - 07:35 PM.


#2 Mini Waco

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 04:47 PM

Well Done Marc!!



#3 panky

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 04:49 PM

Neat, I like it :D



#4 greenmini1275

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 05:04 PM

You should start making them, I'd buy one.

#5 Marc_mcq

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 06:40 PM

You should start making them, I'd buy one.

Try making one, it's not difficult at all! All you need is a sharp knife and around 30 minutes!

EDIT: You'll also need a hacksaw and a file. Doh!

Edited by Marc_mcq, 04 September 2017 - 06:41 PM.


#6 megamini_jb

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 06:52 PM

Love it! definitely going to give it a go :D

#7 Marc_mcq

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 07:13 PM

Love it! definitely going to give it a go :D


You'll have to post in here once you're finished! See how much better than mine is is hahahah. If you buy the cup holder from that eBay link, I forgot to mention, I chopped off all the little hook things on the bottom. I'm not sure if I had to or not as I was just making it up as i went along hahah. You'll understand what I mean when it arrives.

#8 GraemeC

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 07:38 PM

Looks good - nice effort.
Surely you could just ditch the retainer ring as the tray would hold the gaiter down?

Edited by GraemeC, 04 September 2017 - 07:39 PM.


#9 greenmini1275

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 07:56 PM

Looks good - nice effort.
Surely you could just ditch the retainer ring as the tray would hold the gaiter down?



That's what I was thinking or put it underneath.

#10 Marc_mcq

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 09:16 PM

Looks good - nice effort.
Surely you could just ditch the retainer ring as the tray would hold the gaiter down?

  

Looks good - nice effort.
Surely you could just ditch the retainer ring as the tray would hold the gaiter down?


That's what I was thinking or put it underneath.

Do you know what, I don't know why I didn't. I'd already bought another one as I was going to try and join the two trays together by plastic welding but I just had a go at it today without waiting for the other one to arrive. When it does, I think I will do as you have said.

The only issue that I can think of with doing as you guys have suggested is that the plastic tray may flex at the four mounting points where the screws go through when fastened down tight enough to stop any movement. Maybe support the underneath with an MDF ring or something?

#11 lawrence

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 09:35 PM

Totally just bought one of these! Great little mod there and just what I need to finish off my gearstick gaitor mount
Thanks man

#12 Marc_mcq

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Posted 04 September 2017 - 09:57 PM

Totally just bought one of these! Great little mod there and just what I need to finish off my gearstick gaitor mount
Thanks man


Glad to hear it mate! I always feel a bit daft posting such trivial things on here when people have engines in bits and are doing major shell repairs but I just think that sometimes, it's nice to see how other people are doing things and it can trigger an idea of your own. I've had it many times when something someone else has done has given me a new idea to try.

#13 lawrence

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Posted 05 September 2017 - 05:16 AM

Yep I defo agree with you there. I may have almost finished my engine conversion but I couldn't think of what the hell to do with my gearstick gaitor haha. It was eithe have it sitting On the floor moving about or on a bit of centre console.

Your invention has just got that finishing touch I need.: )

#14 timmy850

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Posted 05 September 2017 - 06:08 AM

Very neat! Unfortunately it won't work with my remote shift or I'd be doing it myself



#15 greenmini1275

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Posted 05 September 2017 - 06:34 AM

Surely if you use the metal retaining ring underneath it would be enough to hold it. It's a shame there's not a two holder version.




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