Build a cupholder for your column shift MJ (lots of pics)

[Airborne Janitor]

I can't take full credit for the idea because I saw someone else on the board do it years ago, but here's a little write-up in case you want to do the same.

 

You will need an MJ/XJ mini floor console like pictured.

 

You'll want to cut out the coin tray and a bit off the top. Enlarge the rectangular cut out to 9.5"

 

 

Using the console as a template, I made a smaller bracket out of 1"x1" angle. Cut two 1" wide pieces, then welded them up at 2 1/16" high. Tapped a hole in one side for the console mount, then drilled a hole on the other end and used a self-tapper to secure it to the floor.

 

 

 

Find yourself a 5" wide plank of wood. I used a piece of patagonian rosewood cut down to 10". I really liked the grain this hardwood had, and with some staining I was able to get kind of close to the color of the dash. It was also on sale at my local Woodcraft store.

 

 

 

The cupholders I decided to use I got off amazon, they were pretty cheap, under $10 for the pair. They're stainless and made for boat/marine applications.

 

Use a 3-3/4" hole saw to cut your holes. Measure once, cut twice, or something.

 

 

Sand your life away and stain.

 

 

After staining and applying a poly finish I silicone sealed the wood to the console, clamped it all into place and let it sit overnight.

 

 

 

Screw your new cupholder console to the floor mounts.

 

 

Drop in your cupholders.

 

 

 

These cupholders are nice because they hold smaller cans/bottles, as well as larger bottles/tumblers, and came with a nice rubber pad and drain plug on the bottom. Still have enough room to open the ashtray too!

 

 

The End.

 

 

[Pete M]

wow, that looks fantastic next to the dash!  well done!   

[gvthnks]

yeah, that's classy.   

 

[87MJJeep]

That looks very nice.  Pretty cool considering your dash!  

[fiatslug87]

Nice job!