Project Ashtray to drink holder

[oldcarnut]

After I finished my see through valve covers, I said I wanted to see if I could make a drink holder that would be hidden and out the way until I wanted it .  Since I don't need an ash tray it seemed like a good spot.  I know a lot of folks say they won't have a drink in their car but I like to have  my Mt Dew handy while driving    Anyway here's the start of it.  I pulled out the old one and made a complete new unit to try to get a workable solution  .  As you can see it's all made from Stainless including the door except the knob is alum..  Reason being I made my custom dash from stainless in another thread and wanted to see if this would blend in with it and if not, I can always paint it later.  Its roughed in and nowhere near completed but the trial fits looks good.  I'll explain some of the attachments later as I get it more completed and view the results.  I have 2 stainless cups on order and should be in Mon/Tues from Sears  The stock location as well as the original ash tray will remain unaltered so it can always be put back to stock if I sell it.

[Ghoste]

Hmm, that's an interesting project.

[bill440rt]

Impressive project! 

[oldcarnut]

I think it will work out for my purposes.  Some aint gonna like it but after reading this thread, http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,63925.0.html , I didn't see where there was much else out there to chose from.  I like messing around the creative custom stuff whether it ends up working out or not.   Just too interesting for me and gets the cobwebs off the brain cells  

[mpdlawdog]

you are the man!  Love your ideas!  Whats next an ejector seat?

[Fred]

 
What about a porta loo? 

[oldcarnut]

you are the man!  Love your ideas!  Whats next an ejector seat?

Nope, that ones been done already by General Tesh in the Duketona 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,27469.925.html

[oldcarnut]

What about a porta loo?  

Been done too   
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,21335.msg231723.html#msg231723

[Fred]

WOW!! that was some trip I just went on. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Amazing things to behold and some very weird and wacky.
Loved it...............thanks for that. 

[oldcarnut]

Got the cups in today.  Just a little step further to see how they place.

[Old Moparz]

Dave, I think I see an after market idea for a few extra bucks in your future.    Looks good.   

[Darkman]

Dave, I think I see an after market idea for a few extra bucks in your future.    Looks good.   

Looks good. Well done

[Fred]

But I'm not seeing cups in the cup holder!!  

[oldcarnut]

But I'm not seeing cups in the cup holder!!  

Ok but just for you.  I'd pour you a drink too but its not bolted in yet and still needs a few mods.   

[Fred]

But I'm not seeing cups in the cup holder!!  

Ok but just for you.  I'd pour you a drink too but its not bolted in yet and still needs a few mods.   

Ok now I'm happy. Now they live up to their name.
Great job by the way 

[Dino]

Nice job!

I was thinking about doing something similar but my one concern is that my coffee tumbler would be right in front of the a/c vents.  I'm not sure if it would be an issue or not so I may get a spare console top and alter it to accept a tumbler. 

[FLG]

Real muscle cars dont have cup holders!

JK, looks nice!

I just buy the 75 cent one that pop into the window channel that they sell at the BP stations.

[oldcarnut]

Nice job!
I was thinking about doing something similar but my one concern is that my coffee tumbler would be right in front of the a/c vents. 

That's a real tall cup I put in for the pic.  I think the top of the can would be just below the vent    I have the rods coming out at the top of the box to put it higher so that any passengers (bench seat) would have leg clearance.  I have more work to do on it.  Have to come up with the way to keep the door closed when the holders are pushed back in.  Thinking of using magnetic pieces. I had thought of using the door as a shelf for a gps unit to rest on.  I'll post some layout pics afterwards if anyone wants to use for ideas of their own to make something.  The whole interior is getting a changeover from burnt orange.  I wish I already had the dash parts changed to black and the rest assembled so it would show a little better (or worse  ) .   With black dash and plastic, stainless gage, radio, and glove box inserts, I'm hoping it will all blend togethor ok without looking pimped up.  Thats the last look I want to project.  A lot of work for a cup holder I know.

[Dino]

Nice job!
I was thinking about doing something similar but my one concern is that my coffee tumbler would be right in front of the a/c vents. 

That's a real tall cup I put in for the pic.  I think the top of the can would be just below the vent    I have the rods coming out at the top of the box to put it higher so that any passengers (bench seat) would have leg clearance.  I have more work to do on it.  Have to come up with the way to keep the door closed when the holders are pushed back in.  Thinking of using magnetic pieces. I had thought of using the door as a shelf for a gps unit to rest on.  I'll post some layout pics afterwards if anyone wants to use for ideas of their own to make something.  The whole interior is getting a changeover from burnt orange.  I wish I already had the dash parts changed to black and the rest assembled so it would show a little better (or worse  ) .   With black dash and plastic, stainless gage, radio, and glove box inserts, I'm hoping it will all blend togethor ok without looking pimped up.  Thats the last look I want to project.  A lot of work for a cup holder I know.

A lot of work but worth it.

My initial plan was to use the ash tray as a gps holder until I realized I rarely use one so no loss if that plan goes bye bye.

I removed my console door and replaced it with an armrest out of a 1st gen Charger.  I could make a cup holder in front of the armrest but it would have to be close to the shifter and there's very little clearance when you pop it in 1st.  I would love to remove the shifter and make my own, one that veers to the left a bit so my (shortter) wife can easily reach it as well.  If I make a cup holder in the console I'll have to cut into the console top and maybe make a little door for it as well.  I do like your cupholder though so I would love to see it in more detail.  I wonder if my shifter would be in the way as well with a tall tumbler in front of the ashtray door....

As for the door you can use anything from magnets to springs or velcro even!

[Budnicks]

Nice job, it looks great...

[Patronus]

I want one!! 

[chargerchick68]

Are you selling these?

[oldcarnut]

Are you selling these?

I don't have any plans on making them for resell but I'll post some pics of how I put it together so that someone else if the want to do something similar can make one for themselves. Its not to bad once I got the trial and error done, for my purposes anyway, workable.  If I had the machines and time at home I would might would have thought about making more of the see through valve covers I did.  Seemed to be some interest in those. Pics to follow once it's done. Just got way too may irons in the fire right now to get my car stuff done at home.

[oldcarnut]

Here's a few pics.  The door hinges were slotted both sides to allow for adjustment fit. I added a door shutting latch. I put in a piece of black poly plastic on the back of the door for a smooth flat finish.  1//2" tubing welded through to the back and slots cut for holding the pins inserted into the arm ends for locking in place.  Plastic tubing inside the SS steel tubing for a good slide fit on the 1/4" dia alum rod bent to fit the cups.  I ordered the cups from Sears.  $6 each for poker table cup placements.  I slipped on the double air line tubing on the cup ends for firm grip and to keep from any rattling noise. The colors will match my interior and paint.  More tomorrow

[Budnicks]

  Very nice.. You should market them,  or at least build me one 

[thedodgeboys]

  that's awesome work 

[oldcarnut]

Thanks guys.  I left off the rod pic.  I cleaned and clear coated the outside door and knob.  Will make some plugs for the blue/black tubing ends to dress the ends.  I made everything from scrap materials and only had to pay for the cups so $12 for the conversion is all I got in it.  Next best thing is that no original parts were harmed in the process    Sometime this week I'll try for the final install pics if I get a spare hour.   

[Dino]

Market that stuff and put me down for one!

[1970Moparmann]

That's awesome!   

[Charger-Bodie]

Very nice.. You should market them,  or at least build me one 

I agree!! Id take one too. The only thing i would be concerned with is if will clear the shifter in 1st and 3rd.. 

[resq302]

Thats one hell of an idea.  But like 1hotdayonta said, how is the clearance with a manual trans?

[Old Moparz]

Thats one hell of an idea.  But like 1hotdayonta said, how is the clearance with a manual trans?

Yeah, you may need to invent cup lids that come out from the radio to stop the splashing from pistol-punch. 

[oldcarnut]

Very nice.. You should market them,   or at least build me one  

I agree!! Id take one too. The only thing i would be concerned with is if will clear the shifter in 1st and 3rd..  

I think most of you guys with the skills I've seen you do in your own building would have it easy to make one   especially after building a Daytona as well as you made    As far as clearance I don't have the 4 spd anymore to check.  I'd say look at the pics on the first page and hold up a can or 16oz bottle in the same location next to the dash and you'd get a good idea.  In my setup the drinks are to the outside of the ashtray door area.  I don't remember my shifter traveling out that far except maybe reverse.  I'll shoot a different angle after it's in.  

[Budnicks]

Very nice.. You should market them,   or at least build me one  

I agree!! Id take one too. The only thing i would be concerned with is if will clear the shifter in 1st and 3rd..  

I think most of you guys with the skills I've seen you do in your own building would have it easy to make one   especially after building a Daytona as well as you made    As far as clearance I don't have the 4 spd anymore to check.  I'd say look at the pics on the first page and hold up a can or 16oz bottle in the same location next to the dash and you'd get a good idea.  In my setup the drinks are to the outside of the ashtray door area.  I don't remember my shifter traveling out that far except maybe reverse.  I'll shoot a different angle after it's in.  

yep I could build one but, it would be better/easier if you build it though 

[resq302]

Very nice.. You should market them,   or at least build me one  

I agree!! Id take one too. The only thing i would be concerned with is if will clear the shifter in 1st and 3rd..  

I think most of you guys with the skills I've seen you do in your own building would have it easy to make one   especially after building a Daytona as well as you made    As far as clearance I don't have the 4 spd anymore to check.  I'd say look at the pics on the first page and hold up a can or 16oz bottle in the same location next to the dash and you'd get a good idea.  In my setup the drinks are to the outside of the ashtray door area.  I don't remember my shifter traveling out that far except maybe reverse.  I'll shoot a different angle after it's in.  

yep I could build one but, it would be better/easier if you build it though 

Besides, if someone is building them of good quality, why go and make something else.  I mean, look at the repop stuff now.  There are crap out there and people go and make something better cause they don't like the current version.  Obviously there is a demand for it.  And from the looks of it, I highly doubt I could build something better than what you have done (unless it interferes with my shifter on the 4 spd)   

So basically, does that alter any of the original parts of the dash permanently or can you just swap out the factory ash tray for this?

[Patronus]

You should bust out like 25 of those. $50 each and they'd be gone in a day. Thats $1250..

[oldcarnut]

[/quote]
So basically, does that alter any of the original parts of the dash permanently or can you just swap out the factory ash tray for this?
[/quote]
Not a thing is altered.  I used the same mounting bolt holes as the original tray and could swap it out any time I wanted.  For me the most time consuming part was forming the door from stainless keeping about the same curves vertical and horizontal as the original.  A thinner plain semi flat door or adapting the original would have been much easier/quicker.  Probably wouldn't have even been real noticeable. I formed it by hand and hammer since I didn't have an English wheel to roll it. As mentioned earlier I used the stainless to match the other dash plates I made.

[Dino]

You know, if this system works you may want to draw up a diy plan and sell them for a few bucks, I'd buy it.  I would start with a spare ash tray though if they are easy to find.

[moparstuart]

 I have this one i got out of a junk car here in the salvage yard , but they sell them on amazon

   This  slides down in between my console and the bucket seat and works really well .  plus i can just yank it out and throw it in the trunk at shows .

[Fred]

Looks good 

[A383Wing]

Thanks guys.  I left off the rod pic.  I cleaned and clear coated the outside door and knob.  Will make some plugs for the blue/black tubing ends to dress the ends.  I made everything from scrap materials and only had to pay for the cups so $12 for the conversion is all I got in it.  Next best thing is that no original parts were harmed in the process    Sometime this week I'll try for the final install pics if I get a spare hour.   

ya know, I would like to do this to mine (or have someone with knowledge and experience to make one fr me) ....I got a 70, is it still the same process and parts used?

Bryan

[red69superbee]

i think the cup holder is a nifty idea,,good job!!

[oldcarnut]

You know, if this system works you may want to draw up a diy plan and sell them for a few bucks, I'd buy it.  I would start with a spare ash tray though if they are easy to find.

Well how about if I just post some kind of plan here so anyone could have it for free to try themselves in their own way.  I've have received and hope will have more free advice/help from folks here that are more knowledgeable than me in their respective experiences worth more than I ever would make trying to sell something.  . I think there are enough business folks out there making money from us hobbyists just trying to have a nice old car to drive as it is.  Now if all of a sudden somebody sees someone else making money selling copies   just let me know.

ya know, I would like to do this to mine (or have someone with knowledge and experience to make one fr me) ....I got a 70, is it still the same process and parts used? Bryan

This is the dash from my 70RR I'm going to Superbirdify     I reckon most of the 68-70 B-bodys would be the same size or at least the opening.  I know some had trays that open different or with pads but don't know if it would really matter since it would be coming out anyway.  Anyone know for sure?

I'll post a drawing of sorts and parts later this week when I get time as on a dismal note I have to put the car stuff on the back burner for a while.  I had to admit my 78 yr dad into the hospital this past weekend as he is not doing too well since the last bit of Chemo.  He is really getting weak and I don't know how its going to turn out.  It was about this time last year that my mother's health started deteriorating until her passing last June    I've had my motor torn apart with machine work done and new parts on the shelf since Nov 2010 and can't get enough time at home to put it together so as much as I wish I could build you guys a few boxes, I don't think I could grab enough spare time to knock'em out quickly.  I do appreciate the pos fb though and will offer as much info as I can to help somebody make their own.

[tan top]

sorry to hear about your dad

 wow  , this is clever stuff    well thought out !!  

[Dino]

You know, if this system works you may want to draw up a diy plan and sell them for a few bucks, I'd buy it.  I would start with a spare ash tray though if they are easy to find.

Well how about if I just post some kind of plan here so anyone could have it for free to try themselves in their own way.  I've have received and hope will have more free advice/help from folks here that are more knowledgeable than me in their respective experiences worth more than I ever would make trying to sell something.  . I think there are enough business folks out there making money from us hobbyists just trying to have a nice old car to drive as it is.  Now if all of a sudden somebody sees someone else making money selling copies   just let me know.

ya know, I would like to do this to mine (or have someone with knowledge and experience to make one fr me) ....I got a 70, is it still the same process and parts used? Bryan

This is the dash from my 70RR I'm going to Superbirdify     I reckon most of the 68-70 B-bodys would be the same size or at least the opening.  I know some had trays that open different or with pads but don't know if it would really matter since it would be coming out anyway.  Anyone know for sure?

I'll post a drawing of sorts and parts later this week when I get time as on a dismal note I have to put the car stuff on the back burner for a while.  I had to admit my 78 yr dad into the hospital this past weekend as he is not doing too well since the last bit of Chemo.  He is really getting weak and I don't know how its going to turn out.  It was about this time last year that my mother's health started deteriorating until her passing last June    I've had my motor torn apart with machine work done and new parts on the shelf since Nov 2010 and can't get enough time at home to put it together so as much as I wish I could build you guys a few boxes, I don't think I could grab enough spare time to knock'em out quickly.  I do appreciate the pos fb though and will offer as much info as I can to help somebody make their own.

Car stuff can wait.  Family first, my thoughts are with you. 

[Fred]

You know, if this system works you may want to draw up a diy plan and sell them for a few bucks, I'd buy it.  I would start with a spare ash tray though if they are easy to find.

Well how about if I just post some kind of plan here so anyone could have it for free to try themselves in their own way.  I've have received and hope will have more free advice/help from folks here that are more knowledgeable than me in their respective experiences worth more than I ever would make trying to sell something.  . I think there are enough business folks out there making money from us hobbyists just trying to have a nice old car to drive as it is.  Now if all of a sudden somebody sees someone else making money selling copies   just let me know.

ya know, I would like to do this to mine (or have someone with knowledge and experience to make one fr me) ....I got a 70, is it still the same process and parts used? Bryan

This is the dash from my 70RR I'm going to Superbirdify     I reckon most of the 68-70 B-bodys would be the same size or at least the opening.  I know some had trays that open different or with pads but don't know if it would really matter since it would be coming out anyway.  Anyone know for sure?

I'll post a drawing of sorts and parts later this week when I get time as on a dismal note I have to put the car stuff on the back burner for a while.  I had to admit my 78 yr dad into the hospital this past weekend as he is not doing too well since the last bit of Chemo.  He is really getting weak and I don't know how its going to turn out.  It was about this time last year that my mother's health started deteriorating until her passing last June    I've had my motor torn apart with machine work done and new parts on the shelf since Nov 2010 and can't get enough time at home to put it together so as much as I wish I could build you guys a few boxes, I don't think I could grab enough spare time to knock'em out quickly.  I do appreciate the pos fb though and will offer as much info as I can to help somebody make their own.

Car stuff can wait.  Family first, my thoughts are with you. 

That's right, first things first. Car can wait. All the best.

[A383Wing]

cars can wait..all our thoughts & prayers are coming your way from our house.

Bryan

[oldcarnut]

First thanks for the prayers and thoughts.  He's getting a little more stable but has a lot of improvement to make.  Needed a little distraction so I made a little print on ms paint for the box that worked for me.  Not exactly to scale but has some sizes for any DIY's interested in tackling it.  I didn't show the 2.5mm rod pins and slots cut in the tubing ends but they are cut 1/2" deep with a tight fit on the pins  A few more install pics added.  First is the print.  2nd is attachment view from bottom. Top mount used existing holes too.  3rd shows rods under dash.  They look close but clears under the stock radio.  4th is a side view of distance from dash for manual shifter questions.

[oldcarnut]

A couple more and have a Dr. Pepper on me  .  Heres a link to the cups I bought  http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM196870880P?prdNo=5&blockNo=80&blockType=G80  
If someone else makes one or similar, post your results here too.  Any more info needed just ask.  Now what to do for my next trick  

[tan top]

  clever bit of fabrication !!  looks awesome   

[FLG]

Nice,

But what is stopping the cups from spinning over to the side when you hit a bump since the rod running thru is not slotted in any way.

[oldcarnut]

Nice,

But what is stopping the cups from spinning over to the side when you hit a bump since the rod running thru is not slotted in any way.

The pins in the rods line up with the slots in the rear tubing when rotated in position. The rods are then slid forward. 1/2"  Its a tight enough slide to grip the pins in level position and not accidently slide out as it takes some intentional effort to push it back.  The rubberized tubing inside the steel tubing acts as a bushing/bearing also keeping out any wobble or looseness plus any vibration noises.  I had thought about putting on a small detent at the slots but for now it seemed a little overkill.  Check out the pic on pg 1 2nd from the bottom.  It shows it.

[moparstuart]

  ones i scavenged in the salvage yard

[resq302]

I can't even begin to describe the envy I have for you Stuart.  Having all those cars to pick and chose from for parts for your own cars when they come in.  I wish I had something like that around here.  All the junk yards by me all have newer cars and nothing even close back to the 80s let alone back to something as old as our toys.

[Budnicks]

ones i scavenged in the salvage yard

I had 1 of those window mounted cup holders in my 70 Demon many moons ago, it was great as long as you didn't hit any bumps...

[thedodgeboys]

for those who dont want to mod there ashtrays 
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/catalog/image_console_104470.html

[A383Wing]

I actually like that....so you just remove the ashtray or what?

why won't it work on a 68 Charger?

I got a 70...may have to try one

Bryan

[Budnicks]

I like it too, I wonder if it would also work in a 68 RR

[thedodgeboys]

Here is the link for all the b body's they list

http://www.metropartsmarket.com/catalog/consoleanddrinkholder-c4s1.html

I like it too, I wonder if it would also work in a 68 RR

[moparstuart]

Maybe it  :shruggy:wont work with the sliding door type of ash tray they had in 68