cup holder / ashtray for 190e

I have a '91 190e. Is there a cup holder thingie that can be inserted in place of the ashtray? I've heard such a thing might exist but can't find it.

Thanks,
D Stang

[Limited Edition]

I've never heard of such a thing. I'd like to see pics if you have any!

[haasman]

Some place, somewhere I saw a flat cup holder assembly that was inserted into the ashtray area as well. I can't remember where.

The cup holder assembly was taken from another make. The idea was to make a setup with many modifications to fit.

Haasman

[jrbnc]

I was also thinking about something like this, but cutting where the big block of wood is below my radio to put in a cup holder. I have see these cupholders that are flat and when you slide them out the bottom drops down to form a support for the bottom of the cups. If the width was no wider than the console it should work, but I just wish I remember which car I saw them in. Think it was some type of japanese car. Honda or something.

[MTI]

The early 90's Honda Accords had the pop out drawer with the two cup cutouts . . . I had one! The problem with that design was that it wasn't very stable since the drawer was not very far up from the console, so the support point was rather low on the cup.

I built my own 190E cupholders from some black PVC pipe flanges and fit them on the center console, underneath the arm rest. Two of those flanges (you have to cut a base) fit neatly in the space and hold traveling coffee mugs and 32 oz cups with no problem.

[haasman]

MTI

This sounds interesting .... any pictures .... ? Instructions .....?

Haasman

[MTI]

I'll take some pics (the holders are removable) and post them. However, if you're going to a hardware store, just measure the width of the console under the armrest (it wouldn't hurt to bring along your favorite sized cup too) and look for something like this:



They make them in black or white. Depending on the contour, you may have to shave the bottom radius to fit the console of the one that is the farthest back. What's nice about the PVC is that it can be shaped, glued, painted, trimmed with wood, etc. very easily. When not holding a cup, it's a good place to stash a cell phone, or gas receipts.

[Mel Weaver]

Go to Starbucks, get their "open" handled travel mug (most have a "closed" handle), the cup will hang by the handle on the lip of the shelf under your ashtray.
Hope this makes sense.
-M

[MTI]

Here's my $10 DIY cupholders. The PVC is a 4" to 3.5" reducer and the internal shape is perfect for travel mugs and for cold drink cups.



In the pic you can see that the sides of the one farthest back were trimmed to fit the console and I cut some non-skid discs from the wife's kitchen drawer sheets to put into the holders. What you can't see too well is that both of the holders are glued to a clear plexi base that was cut to fit the console. The wood trim is koa veneer glued to the rims and clearcoated.

Clever idea, MTI. BTW where do you find koa veneer? I've never heard of it.

Doug

[MTI]

I don't know about woodworking mills in your area, but it's pretty common here. Cabinet makers will use it instead of solid planks, which are very pricey. You could probably find cherry, ash, maple, oak and other veneers near you. My long term plan is to do the dash, shifter console and door handles in koa. There's already too much zebrano and burlwood out there!

Clever idea, MTI. BTW where do you find koa veneer? I've never heard of it.

Doug