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My attempt at retrofitting 2012 Cupholder Console

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by El Nino, Sep 8, 2012.

  1. El Nino

    El Nino Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Well I really hate the way you have to slide the armrest back to use the second cup holder and then it's an obstruction for the back seat occupants...so I thought I would try and retrofit the new cup holder found in the 2012. Now I knew this could turn into a disaster but I was game for whatever. First I went to the Toyota dealership and they all thought I was crazy. After inspecting the new model I was sure that everything major was the same. You could theoretically buy the whole center console with lid and everything for about $750 or just buy the cup holder and try to make it work. The cup holder alone was $125! Ughhh. I stubbornly paid the $125 and picked up the part the following day. As I unpacked the new cup holder I noticed it had 4 tabs on the bottom that click into the new console...but my console has no such area...so off the tabs go. I used a utility knife and a wood chisel (those things are dangerous so be careful...but they wiggle stuff flush like butter) Now that the tabs were off the cup holder would sit flush...but how would I get it to stay? That will come later.

    Things that you need to know or have -
    1.) You will be cutting a lot of plastic so you will need a dremel tool for sure
    2.) Your existing arm rest top will have to be cut so you will need a cover for the new shorter version. I have Katzkins on mine so it was easy enough to just peel it off, trim the front and glue back down.

    I removed the console per the USB install instructions attached here.
    The 4 screws on the bottom come off easily (10mm socket) and the tricky to find 5th screw up front is actually a god send later down the road. Pull the console out towards the rear of the car and set it on your workspace. You will see that the cup holder will not sit upright all the way because there is a hump that needs to be dremeled away..so..dremel away
    [​IMG]

    Now that the cup holder will sit flush and upright You will see a little pilot hole where the M6 screw goes through to attach console to the frame. Mark through that hole on the cupholder and drill a small hole big enough to fit the the m6 through. I bought a m6 with a pan head at Lowes so the head does not interfere with an inserted cup. A small washer is recommended.

    WAHLAH! Cup holder in and ready to screw in when console returned... now on to the armrest

    Remove lid top - screws in back and front underneath
    Hollow out by snipping and wood chisel (can be done later while glue is drying)
    [​IMG]
    Remove lid side panels and connecting back piece
    Slide back lid till engages in rear..this will be the new final location
    Dremel or hacksaw off overhang off rear
    Put sides and back piece together and hold against rear of lid where they will be glued (if sticks out too much you will have to cut more off the lid)
    Mark the side panels at the angle to match the cup holder where they will be cut
    [​IMG]
    MAKE SURE BOTTOM OF SIDE PANELS MEET THE TOP OF CONSOLE TRIM
    Glue with plastic bonder and let sit 24hrs
    [​IMG]
    Remove Cup Holder
    Set top on lid so back is correct and mark/cut front of lid to match the angle of lid side trim
    Attach cover with same plastic bonder and clamps
    [​IMG]
    Attach new cover to lid by putting liberal amounts of plastic bonder on lid
    Wrap tape around lid/cover so the cover is nice and tight down on the lid
    [​IMG]
    Let sit 24hrs

    [​IMG]
    DISCLAIMER - This could go horribly wrong or wonderfully awesome..I cannot guarantee which way your retro will go...but at least you get an idea of what I tried. Hopefully we can get this process polished down to be more precise and accurate. I tried. :)

    My top is not exactly flush in the rear but I'm okay with that...I love using this cupholder!

    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Jeremy Henry, sfv41901 and peterjmc like this.
  2. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2011
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    Location:
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    I dont see the pictures.

    Ah! Now I do.

    But not all of them.
     
  3. El Nino

    El Nino Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Just fixed em.. :)
     
  4. peterjmc

    peterjmc Ping pong in Ding Dang...

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2010
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    Location:
    Clarksburg, MD
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Good work on this! I appreciate you pioneering this task! I want to retrofit mine
     
  5. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

    Joined:
    May 5, 2010
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    Location:
    Palmdale, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Nice work. Looks so much better
     
  6. Accordlayingkit

    Accordlayingkit Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 19, 2014
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    Location:
    Colonial Heights, Va
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Where can u get the lid from for the cup holder console? I already have it on my car.. but I want another lid that's rounded for the cup holder and I cannot fine the lid ANYWHERE!