Toyota Gen2 4Runner Center Console Cup Holder

Toyota Gen2 Center Console Cup Holder System

Why This Model?

Generation 2 Toyota vehicles are equipped with a slide-out cup holder located above the climate controls. When this cup holder is in use, it covers most of the controls on the center dash, making it difficult to access essential functions. This placement is inconvenient and demonstrates a design flaw in the vehicle's interior layout.

Additionally, the center console area features an oddly shaped, trapezoidal cut-out. This space is not suitable for holding cups or cans, as it does not securely fit any standard drink vessel. As a result, any drink placed in this area is likely to tip over and potentially spill (see photo below). This further highlights the need for an improved cup holder system in Generation 2 Toyotas.

THE MODULAR CUP-HOLDER SYSTEM

So, I set out to design a cup-holder system that could accommodate the most popular cup and drink bottle sizes.  Since it’s difficult to design (at least for me) one cup-holder that is size adjustable, I designed a modular system that layers with different components.

THE CORE DRINK INSERT (OPTION A – REQUIRED)

The core drink insert component comfortably fits in the oddly shaped trapezoidal center console cut out and accommodates a 12-oz (330ml) drink can.  It is the basis for adding additional inserts for other drink vessel sizes.  It is required for the other optional cup insert options.

Why does the entire design have a hole smack-square down the middle?  It is for two reasons: 1) it allows the parts to fit together seamlessly, and 2) it provides a way for the parts to “breath” without being suctioned together when assembled.

THE NALGENE/CAMELBAK INSERT (OPTION B)

The Nalgene Option B insert is designed to fit a 32oz Nalgene bottle or similarly sized bottle, such as a Camelbak 1000ml bottle.

The bottom of Nalgene Option B insert is sloped and slotted which provides a fool-proof way to position the cup holder slightly forward so it doesn’t interfere with the center console armrest/lid of the storage area.  ( The slope of the bottom part A is necessary to keep the bottle level while in use.  Again, this is an example of another awkward design issue of the OEM center console cut-out. )  If you can’t visualize what I am saying here, don’t worry – it will come to you as you print out the models.

YETI 20-30-40oz RAMBLER INSERT (OPTION C)

Inside of Cup Holder Option B fits the YETI Rambler Insert (Option C).  Hence the modular part of the overall design : Yeti Option C fits into Nalgene Option B which fits into Core Option A .

The inside of the YETI Rambler Insert is slightly tapered to accommodate the tapered bottom part of a YETI Rambler cup with or without a handle. It also works for fast-food drink cups which are usually tapered as well.

The insert is printed in two-parts the avoid the use of annoying support filament.  The top part is the bottle holder itself, and the bottom part fits inside Option B.

NOTE: the bottom and top components of the YETI Cup Holder must be super-glued together. See assembly notes below.

ASSEMBLING THE BOTTOM AND TOP PARTS OF YETI OPTION C

The assembly process is simple: align the bottom and top parts of the YETI Option C together and super glue in place.  Make sure the circular shapes are aligned perfectly.  Once glued together, use rubber bands to hold them together as the super glue cures.  I have found this glue to be the best for plastics .

Once glued together, use some plastic filler to smooth the connection of the two parts and sand smooth.

LIMITATIONS OF THE DESIGN

I designed this modular system to fit my needs, but it may not precisely fit your needs.  If you have a cup or vessel that doesn’t fit this system, recommend a modification in the comments below and I’ll see what I can come up with.  Or, if you have a design consideration to make the system better, let me know.

Current Limitations:

- The system does not support shorter vessels with handles – while they may sit inside Option B or C, the handles may cause issues with a comfortable “fit”. - The Yeti Option C holder requires both Option A and Option B to be printed (maybe I’ll design a Yeti holder that fits directly into Core Holder A someday, reducing the need to print all parts) - Not all bottle shapes and sizes are accommodated – just the ones I have and use frequently. SPRAY PAINTING TO MATCH THE INTERIOR

After filling and sanding all the parts, I wanted to paint them to match the interior as close as possible.

The most difficult part was finding a filament color to match what Toyota calls “oak” in the 1995 4Runner brochure.  After buying dozens of potential filament colors from Amazon, and returning them all, I decided to go the paint route.  Well, that was a challenge too, as there are limited options of paint to match the oak interior plastic color, unless of course, I wanted to pay north of $30 for a 6oz spray can of custom color – and even then if I ordered it and it wasn’t a match, I couldn’t return it because it was a custom color.

Then I found a spray can of Glidden Master Finish All Surface Satin spray paint in a color called “Chocolate Pretzel” .  It is a 99% match, IMO.  I recommend going the spray paint route for a 99% match because finding filament to match is impossible.  (That would be good idea for filament makers – make filament colors that match popular vehicle interior colors – maybe there is a maker doing that, but I haven’t found them yet.)

Thanks for looking and post photos of your prints!