Look here for help first!
I have solved the Great Cupholder Dilemma !
> > Note that this does not rank up there with the solutions presented by many members for our mechanical vexations, but it does make life with the Tercel Wagon a bit more tolerable...
1. Take a piece of 1/8" thick plastic, cut it to the dimensions shown in photo #2, and then use a hot air gun to bend it.
2. Take 2 Profile brand plastic bicycle water bottle cages (other plastic brands may work; traditional rod-type metal cages do not work well at all), heat them with the air gun to slightly open them to the larger diameter necessary for beverage cups.
3. Position the cages on the plastic upright and drill two holes per holder.
4. Place a velcro bicycle pump holder strap under the lower bolt of the aft bottle cage.
5. This plate will fit just behind the shift lever and between the console and the carpet, and the velcro strap will encircle the 4WD selector lever. The size of the plate may have to be modified for automatics; I am not familiar with that type of console.
The two-cage fitment dimensions shown should be considered the maximum for normal seat movement. If a "Super Gulp" size is desired, then 1 cage only can be fitted.
The Profile brand cage may be out of production; it is possible other plastic brands may work. I have many of these cages available for free, save for postage; PM me if interested. However, I have only the red color available - saved the black pour moi.
This is eminently sturdy enough to hold two large coffee cups with no worry of spilling or dumping the cups. It also gives complete movement of the shift lever, and takes no stretching of the arm to reach (unlike reaching the radio). I used the velcro strap/bent plastic as I did not want to permanently attach a simple vertical plate to the console, which of course can also be done.
Note that the strap retention device is necessary; simply sticking the plate in the gap will NOT work, and WILL dump the plate into the footwell.
It is also a rather elegant solution, if I do say so myself...
Tom M.
EDITED:I have not used this "off-road". I think the design/execution will withstand those rigors, although the cups could pop out or the lids could pop off - I'd try it with water in the cups before filling with a beverage of your choice...
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