I love my 4runner so much that I don't mind holding my drink between my legs while I drive, even with the once in a while spills. But my wife doesn't like that part so much, so I started brainstorming different cupholder ideas.

First I tried those little cheap clips that clip into the window, or glovebox. They worked ok if you don't mind reaching a distance to get your drink from the glovebox, or if you don't mind accidentally pouring your drink all over the side of your car if you en the door with it in. So that was nixed soon.

Second I looked into replacing the console with. Different one that had a cupholder, but I was super hesitant because (1) I like the armwrest and compartments, and (2) the padding on my armwrest is good.

Finally I was going to replace the bottom section of the armrest with a lockbox, that would have extra room in front for the upholders to be fabricated on. As I was doing that I realized that the change tray is removable, and it leaves a hole that is *perfect* for a cupholder to go in.

So i removed it and put it back in and then messed around with different plastic cupholders till I found a large one that fit perfect. Now everything is back together and it works great! All I need to do is make a shroud to cov the gaps around the outside. But I will make that using the same mestizo I got to remake the shift boots.

I'm on my iPad and will upload some pictures once I get to a laptop.
I have them on my facebook at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fb...704&aid=280859

 

Here are but a few of the pictures I got.

basically I removed the console.

I removed the center post around the shifters (so i could remake the shift boots)

I cleaned under where the carpet used to be.

removed the change holder and switches from console

put in cupholder base in truck

put console back in.

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still to be done:
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run wires/button to alternate location (either above radio, or where cruise control would go if i had it... or just leave them hidden as i never use them anyways)

make a "boot" for it to keep things from falling between the gaps.

 

Wow, someone is happy with thier cupholder, I have seen this same pic about 4 times already.

 

Sorry, mate. Shoulda just made the one post and skipped the rest. Lessons learned are lessons not forgot.