I was motivated to design a cup holder that remained low on the dash (i.e. proximate to shifter) and, more importantly, provided clearance for shifting, so my fingers would not be impinged when shifting from 4th to 5th gear. I also wanted to be able to pivot the holder that would offer leg clearance and would not impede the seat adjustment.



The prototype (pictured, not painted nor cleaned) was assemble from very basic and accessible hardware: 3/8th inch threaded rod, 1" spacer washers, Bell(TM) Drink Holder 05597-8, Cup Holder Ashtray (A-199), 4-3/8th inch nuts, 2-3/8th inch spacer nuts, 2" rubber expansion cap for pvc pipe--this firmly(!) stabilizes the holder.



An MCS '10 was used to design this, but clearly this can be adaptable for any vehicle that has a cup holder at 2 7/8ths inch diameter like the MCS.


Currently working on an alternative prototype.

 

Nice idea...I personally went with MiniFini for that "oem" look

http://www.minifini.com/ShopDetail.aspx?id=44

 

[quote=10Zero;3186407]Nice idea...I personally went with MiniFini for that "oem" look

Yeah, I have a Kuda phone mount where the "oem" MiniFini cupholder locates. My next prototype, I am working on currently, is geared to look more "oem" , but sit proximate to the shifter. The first model (shown in previous post) was primarily for proof-of-the-principle of a functional and mobile (rotatable, in situ) holder.

 

Since I had a Kuda phone holder mounted where the Gen2 Clubman MINIFini cup holder is typically placed, I opted to use a '02-'06 MINIFini Cup-Link (OEM look) and mount it similarly to the prototype shown in the initial message of this thread.

The latest version obviously does not include the Bell(TM) Drink Holder 05597-8 (tension flap broke off, but remained very functional); instead, the Gen 1 MINIFini holder was used to attain the OEM standard. Like the original prototype, however, the current version is still assembled from portions of 2" PVC pipe and 2" PVC end cap, a Cup Holder Ashtray (A-199) and 2" rubber expansion cap for pvc pipe, which stabilizes the holder. Added is oak wood shaped to the contour of the Cup-Link clamp; this wood provided the necessary support to the rest of the setup.

Advantages:
1) Low profile offers ability to added double din head unit fascia in the future, if desired; 2) New cup holder position prevents cup/shifter interference i.e., does not interfere particularly in Rev, 1st, 5th gears); 3) Does not interfere with passenger leg room. As MINIFini describes, the ability to pivot of holder (and in this case, to pivot of clamp) allows for extended range of freedom; and 4) Positioning near gear shifter allows for easy transition from beverage cup to shifter.

 

This looks good. I have the minifini ones in my 05, and adjusting them away from my passenger's legs or hitting my shifter **** against my big gulp is kind of a challenge. I like your set up, more pics of your PVC thing (outside of the cupholder) or schematic style would be helpful.

 

PM sent to Nick5811 describing assembly details. Components shown here. Six 1/8" X 3/4" wood screws are needed.