Cupholder problem solved!! (for the driver at any rate)

[mararmeisto]

Where's the duct tape?

[Erebus]

I too had issues with the centre console. So I "just" built another one.

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The cupholder is part of a Cdn Tire one, cut down. Just behind the mug is a rectangular holder that is perfect for handheld radios. The console has 3 cig lighter outlets at the front pointing forward, all switch controlled. And the ammeter tells me when I'm overdoing things (it is showing 3 amps in the photos). On the lid is a clipboard clip. What isn't visible are the window switches. They are on the sloped front, hidden by the handbrake.

At the rear of the console are two adjustable cupholders:

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with another radio holder in the centre. (Just ignore the loose console to the left.)

It was way more work than I expected, but greatly increases the storage space inside it. I haven't yet made the padding for the lids that will make it even more comfy. The console mounts to the same 4 points the original one did.

[mararmeisto]

Erebus: that's a nice looking console/armrest/cupholder/auxiliary-power-station you've built for yourself there. Where did you draw the power for the cigarette lighter plugs? Good thinking with the ammeter. I would do something like that just for the armrest issue - both the wife and I find the armrest is a bit too low to enjoy comfortably.

[Erebus]

Where did you draw the power for the cigarette lighter plugs? Good thinking with the ammeter.

Took way too much effort. Ran wire from battery (with circuit breaker near battery) inside engine compartment, through to where the aircleaner is, up into the B pillar where the glow controller is, then out under the carpet to the centre rear of the console and forward under console to a hole in the bottom of console near the front. I figure it took 15 feet of wire to get to a spot 2 feet from the battery.

Right now, the switch for the cigs is only on/off, but there is a relay in the circuit. When I have a chance, I want to add a switch so that it can be set for ign only/acc/always/off.

While I was doing all this wire run anyway, I also ran 2 lengths of 10 gauge that, from inside the B pillar, go towards the rear. Right now they end at the rear audio stage. But they will be put to use as soon as the rain ends.

I do have to thank Green1 for helping run the wires.

[delica 304]

I too had issues with the centre console. So I "just" built another one.
[attachment=1]ConsoleFront.jpg[/attachment

Whoah! That is awesome!! Where did you relocate the power window controls to?

[Erebus]

Whoah! That is awesome!! Where did you relocate the power window controls to?

Carefully hidden in my post is "What isn't visible are the window switches. They are on the sloped front, hidden by the handbrake." Does that make it double-stealth? Both text and image are hidden?
BTW, the switches are mounted below the 1/4" plywood, and I cut two rectangular holes in the plywood, one for each switch. That lets me find the switches really easily be feel, something I had an issue with in the factory fitting -- I always had to look to find the switches.

Before someone asks, the black/white control thingy by the seatbelt is the control for the seatcushion heat/massage. It is to get velcro and stuck to the carpet that covers the console -- yes the carpet loves velcro!

[Erebus]

Here's a photo from above and front, looking rear and down. The window switches are on the slope. The only "problem" is that pressing the lower part raises the window, the upper switch lowers the window. There was no way to re-arrange the pair to make it logical. But I'm used to it now, it only messes up passengers who aren't used to it.

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This shot also gives a good view of the cupholder and triple cig outlet. And in the bottom right corner of the photo you can see part of my ham radio, which is mounted to the side of the transmission lever cover.

[BCDelica]

Very slick and neat looking! Looks like ideal height to use as an armrest for taller drivers and passengers.

[mararmeisto]

...[t]he only "problem" is that pressing the lower part raises the window, the upper switch lowers the window...

That's like windows that roll-up and down the 'wrong' way (tend to be NA vehicles, mind you): for me, anti-clockwise is up, clockwise is down. I've just about ripped-off some handles going the wrong way, much to the dismay of those in whose vehicle I'm enjoying the ride. "Thanks for the ride, sorry about your window handle."

And on that note, I might build something like this for Moon Machine, simply for the arm rest feature. I'll include a cupholder or two, but I agree with the other poster, not having an armrest in these vehicles is a bit of a bother for us tall blokes.

[mararmeisto]

As for 'fixing' the cup holder dilemma, I bought one of the single DIN cup-and-tray holders from ebay:

Cup tray extended - coin tray is above this and still shut.

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Given the proximity to the radio, this will only hold cans or similarly shaped cups, not the over-sized cups we NA's are generally used to.

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Works well despite the deep inset of the radio (the can catches a little when removing from the holder). Nice thing about the single DIN stereo I bought is its Bluetooth capability, mp3/iPod interface, USB interface, CD player and radio - pretty cool!

[loki]

I'm jealous of the funky faux wood dash.

[mararmeisto]

I'm jealous of the funky faux wood dash.

One of the options from the accessories booklet. I wish it was instead the wood shelving/cupboard which goes across the engine hump, but hey...

[delicat]

Here's my driver's side cup holder

[Green1]

Here's my driver's side cup holder

Can't say I'm much of a fan of your cup holder... but I'll take that unsightly steering wheel off your hands for you, give you a proper Mitsubishi one while I'm at it so that you don't have to look at that thing any more....

[delicat]

Green1, I think you need more than just a unsightly steering wheel, from hearing about your foes you probably need more like an entire van! Sorry again for all your engine problem but when and if you want a similar steering wheel just get in touch with Mardy. I was at his place this afternoon and saw a 1/2 dozen of those laying around...

Or you could do like me and just buy a few more Delica...

Delica #2, coming in about 10 days

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Delica #3, coming within next month

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David