Occasionally, I have a can of soda, as I am driving on a long drive. As you all know, my car has no cup-holders. This has never been a problem, but recently, I had to swerve suddenly to avoid a large stone. This was unsafe with just one hand on the wheel.

So I want to install a cup-holder in my car. There are two that I know of, both of which require replacement of the central armrest/console lid.

First the Husco P2, which sells for $68, and can accomodate two cups (maybe more). The construction as described on their website seems really solid. Second, a central armrest with four retracting cup-holders sold by VolvoWorld for $88.72; don't know any construction details.

I do not want something that requires me to drill holes in the door. Are there any other cup-holders I should consider. Between these two, which one is better constructed, and easier to install?

Thanks!
Ashok

If your center console lid is flat, and you can accept it in black or charcoal color, check what I did for my '91. I just did a writeup in the Technical section of the Gallery, entry #845.

-- Kane ... 'twas a good $9.68 spent - it's saved my interior more than a few times.
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup II - ???

I have one of the center console replacement lids that can accomodate 2 cups front and another 2 rear though I'm not sure what model it is. I have also been looking at several volvos lately because I was in the market. On all the cars I looked at with the added cupholder the lid didn't shut right or had broken the bracket which holds it in place. They also were flimsy, stuck in and out, didn't hold more than a can of coke or small coffee cup, and were overall not at all worth anything more than about $10 in my mind. I'm considering removing the one on my car just because it is heavy and useless. My advice would be to get a cup with a wide base to set on the parking break or buy drinks in bottles. Sorry I can't really help you here,

duff

Ashok,

There is a much easier (and I think better) option here. Just buy a $2 cupholder from the auto parts store with the hooked lip on it. Open your glovebox and fit the cupholder in the glovebox opening. Not a very good description, but I have a pic I'll send you that will explain it all. Works fine.

Roguls
New York, USA

IPD has one that attaches to the door panel.
http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsList.aspx?subSubCategoryID=477

I second Chris' comments with one addition: the Husco unit slides forward and can provide more comfort on long trips.

If you buy the Volvo unit and the color is wrong for your car, get some Plastikote Vinyl spray color at Autozone or Advance Auto and re-do it. I found a red one for a low price and sprayed it charcoal gray: looks great, identical to OEM.

One last item: if you buy the Volvo unit, make sure they include the hinge assembly, since many don't. The hinge is more robust than the stock lid hinge. Also, you will need a new front latch: the cupholder uses a blade and requires Volvo p/n 9134157-8 "Lock catch for armrest (alternate 1: 20 x 19mm)" which fits in place of the magnetic catch. Costs about $5. To remove it, rotate 45 degrees.

I've installed both the Husco and Volvo cup holders in two different cars.

Husco:
Requires drilling the existing arm rest.
Quite durable (metal cup tray).
Only one tray with two cup holders for front seat - None for rear seat.
Looks somewhat "aftermarket".

Volvo:
Looks like it belongs there.
Dual trays - two cups for front passengers, two for rear.
Flimsy (plastic) trays.

It would be nice if the Husco could have two trays stacked such that one could serve the rear seat passengers.

If you go with the Volvo unit, check Swedish Engineering for price. I believe I paid around $65 there.