Has anyone tried doing this???

I was at the local auto parts store and found an adjustable pop up cup holder for about 6 bucks and some change. It is very sturdy and does not seem like it will fall apart after a coulple of months It is the exact width of the square piece on the back of the center console and with the factory piece popped out it recesses (with a very very light trimming of the sides) perfectly. The only thing is there is about a 1/2 inch gap on the bottom because the cup holder is not long enough. But this is definitly not noticeable when sitting in the back seat because it is so low to the floor as it is.

It will go in the same place that the Jdm rear cup holder would go but if I can get it secured in the opening like I want to I think it will definitly look 100X better then the Mazda piece. This cupholder will look more built in and will only project less than 1 inch from the back of the arm rest (when not in use) as opposed to the big bulky Mazda one. This one is however on desined for 1 drink as opposed to Mazda's 2 drink holder.

I plan on painting it the same silver accent color found through out the car. I found a paint color at the auto parts store that is very very close to the color of the factory parts. Though it is not 100%, with where it will be located it definitly will not be noticeable.

With how I picture this turning out in my head it should look really good and cost less than 15 bucks. Plan to work on it this weekend and if it turns out the way i hope I will post some pics.

Anyways, sorry for the length, just wanted to share with all of you my plans and find out if anyone has tried something similiar and any suggestions.

BTW: The brand of this cup holder was "Custom Accesories, Inc.

 

Wow...that sounds kinda cool. I don't usually allow food or drink in my Pro, but I'm starting to lighten up a bit (will wonders never cease.... ) and will probably let my rear passengers have drinks. If they're in a holder, at least I know that the drinks would be a little secure at least!

Let's see pics when you get it done!!

 

Hey Mike all you have to do is get loooong straws so that the back seaters can leave the drinks in ther holder. That way there is less chance of a spill . Or you can only allow water in the car.

 

Hahahah! That would work I guess!!

Hey....where's your avatar Chris??? Get to work on that thing!!

 

bheath, I'm anxiously awaiting your results......

ProtegeClub as a whole is 100% behind you, and we want pics after you get it done!!!!
I need rear cup holders as well.......

 

I got the cup holder installed. Very tight and secure this thing isn't going anywhere. Fit as good as I expected. I am still in the process of painting the front/base so it has not been installed.

I took some pics and hopefully if I did this right you will be able to view them from below. If you have nothing to ad to this thread please atleast let me know if the pics actually show or not.

Thanks

Brian

http://community.webshots.com/album/44710049IjHPkU

 

You pictures work! They are a bit dark but from what I could see, I find it looks better than the mazda one. Good job!

 

Well I managed to get the lid painted. Want to wait atleast until tomorrow night to install so that the paint is nice and dry. You can see pics of the lid in the link below. As you can see in the pics there is a little raised design of a cup on the lid. I personally liked it but for those who don't could always sand it smooth ( if anyone was to try this in the first place). I took the finished piece and placed it next to the pieces in the car and it was a very, very close match. The slight difference definitly won't be noticeable in the location it will be placed.

Will take completed pictures Saturday during the day when there is more light so that you can better see how it looks. As Sedanman mentioned above, some of the pictures are dark.

Noticed that several have looked at this tread, only wish there were more imput, good or bad. Oh well...

http://community.webshots.com/album/44710049IjHPkU

 

Okay, sorry I did not reply. I took a look at your pics and it tells the story. I think once you have the pics up of the whole package then people will have a better of idea of what it finally should look like. When I first saw it I was not too impressed as it looked unfinished. I think I have to find this at my local auto parts store. My interior is black so I guess painting would be much easier for me.

 

Doesn't the Mazda rear cup holders have spots for 2 cups? Your mod looks like it's only got one, right?

Not that I'm bitching about it....just an observation.

 

Yeah, yeah, yeah. What are you my mother . I'm kidding of course. Actually I was waiting until this Friday when we have our meet. The location is great for pics. Hmm, maybe I should not have worried as it is pretty small, that avatar.

 

I think it looks great and is a clever use for that empty hole!!!

Myself, I don't think I'd need it as for the amount of times I have rear passengers it wouldn't be worth it. I'm probably gonna wind up using that space for something audio related..

 

Well I finally finished and for me I am very satisfied. It will serve its pupose nicely and looks pretty good also. The cup holder only holds 1 drink as you can see in the picks but that is all I need. Actually I put it in for my personal use. I rarely ever have back passengers, probably 4 times in the entire year that I have had the car. I on the other hand have been in the back seat on numerous occasions. When ever out clubbing I always chill out in the back and let the designated driver and another friend sit up front. I find the back extremely comfortable and I am 6'2''.

All in all i spent less than 3 hrs total over the past 3 days working on it at a cost of less than $15.00.

Below are the finished pics added to the rest of the pics in the previous posts.

Hope you like, if not, no biggie. It works for me!!!

http://community.webshots.com/album/44710049IjHPkU

 

Absolute great job and now I want one. My interior is black so I may not even have to paint it. Great Job.

 

damn man.. that looks friggin SWEET completed!

well done!! I just might have to do that after all!!!

I'd be in for a group buy. put me down for one!