Better motor cover cupholders?

[BobM]

Does anyone have a good idea about converting the motorcover cupholders into something that will actually HOLD a cup?
Our '97 only has the factory plastic cupholders and they are terrible! I have already put a post on the classified "wanteds" list but no joy there. I also answered a coupla of adds for parts vans but, still no joy.
If i weren't so terrible at woodworking, I'd try to make something myself!

[Matrixx]

Hi BobM

Plastic? hmm, you should have a rubber insert in each Plastic holder for the cups to sit in. I know the McDonalds and Tim Hortons cups fit nicely in those holders,hehe.

As for anything larger than that in cup sizes, what people usually do is go online and by a Center Console to fit in between the seats with the larger cup holders their. Their isn't anymore room up at the doghouse to make anything bigger. Something to think about.

[ihatemybike]

Rubber inserts FTW! Whenever I get another '96 or newer Astro if they are missing it's usually the second purchase I make. The first purchase is fresh keys cut by the VIN from the dealer.

[castle_Rock]

if you don't want to spend alot/any money on a console - you can use a cardboard box with the lid, and buy a cupholder with organizer from walmart for under $20, worked for me until I get around to getting an actual center console.

[astro355]

Rubber inserts FTW! Whenever I get another '96 or newer Astro if they are missing it's usually the second purchase I make. The first purchase is fresh keys cut by the VIN from the dealer.

Quoted for truth.

[BobM]

Well how about using 3" PVC pipe? I had an old PVC fitting ( 3" NPT to 3" female PVC) The threaded 3" NPT end fits down into the cup holder and the 3" female PVC end extends up enough to hold both 12 oz cans and 20 oz plastic bottles. However, when I attempted to buy another fitting at Lowes, I found that not all 3" fittings are the same. When I tried a 20 oz plastic bottle in the new fitting, it would not fit. I will have to look for the original fitting or use a file/dremel tool to relieve the opening. A little grey paint and some felt......?

[Matrixx]

That's not a bad idea BobM. As long as it works, that's the main thing.

[castle_Rock]

Well at least his cupholders aren't in a awkward position under the stinkin dash, my 94 is almost as stupid as they come.

['cudapaul]

That's because it was made before 7-1 introduced the "BIG GULP!"

[castle_Rock]

That's because it was made before 7-1 introduced the "BIG GULP!"

Yeah, thats true

[Coach]

Funny / odd, I was going to post a question regarding cup holders too. I have similar but slightly different problem. I have a 1995 GMC Safari and my doghouse doesn't extend far enough from the dash so that I can't place a bottle water or any tall cup. Does anyone have an idea of what to do, or, can anyone post a photo of the consol?

Thanks for allowing me to ask a similar question and I hope you don't consider this a "threadjack" because I certainly don't intend it to be that way.

Coach

[BobM]

Funny / odd, I was going to post a question regarding cup holders too. I have similar but slightly different problem. I have a 1995 GMC Safari and my doghouse doesn't extend far enough from the dash so that I can't place a bottle water or any tall cup. Does anyone have an idea of what to do, or, can anyone post a photo of the consol?

Thanks for allowing me to ask a similar question and I hope you don't consider this a "threadjack" because I certainly don't intend it to be that way.

Coach

Hey, no problem. We used self sticking felt in the bottom of the original cupholder and along the side to stop unwanted movement and can rattle. We were in a hurry (note the black felt showing around the left cupholder). There is also ducktape wrapped around the threads for the same purpose. We tried them out on a trip to Ky yesterday and they worked fine. They are a little tall for 12 oz cans, but I usually go for BIG drinks anyway! Here is how my first attempt came out:


and:

[ihatemybike]

1995 and older van really have pretty worthless cup holders for anything over 12oz. For these van the best thing I've found is to use a floor console from Walmart or the like. The cup holders are adjustable, they hold the drinks nicely, and you get an extra cubby for your crap.

[tommckay]

The doghouse pictured is of a newer van, the '95s cupholders are tucked under the radio a bit. Anything larger than a Medium McDonalds cup or 12oz can won't fit.

ihatemybike has the best solution for the 95 & others like it.

[Coach]

Yes, I have the 95 and the cup holder is indeed worthless for anything over 12 oz. Thank you for the Walmart floor console idea.

Coach