
<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/centerconsole-300x270.png" alt="Sprinter Center Console" class="wp-image-5069"/><figcaption>Sprinter Center Console</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>One of the pleasures in a well designed vehicle is to have cup holders that are in easy reach and can hold cups of various sizes securely. The NCV3 (2006-2018) Sprinters have several cup holders built in but they are either difficult to reach or are not deep enough to keep cups from tipping. </p>



<p>Some of the design considerations include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Must not restrict the seats from being </strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="turned on their swivels. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/diy-sprinter-van-seat-swivels-revisited/" target="_blank"><strong>turned on their swivels.</strong></a></li><li><strong>Mounted securely</strong></li><li><strong>Accommodate different cup sizes</strong></li><li><strong>Stuff should not slide off easily when driving</strong></li></ul>



<p>I first saw a DIY solution that looked good by a member of the Sprinter-Forum here: <a href="https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=576155&;postcount=2947">https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showpost.php?p=576155&;postcount=2947</a> Which looks like this:</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pfflyerConsole.jpg" alt="DIY solution by Pfflyer" class="wp-image-5071"/><figcaption>DIY solution by Pfflyer</figcaption></figure></div>



<p>I thought Corian was a good choice for the deck material with a nice balance of strength and weight. I checked around and was unable to find a supplier that was willing to part with any scrap pieces inexpensively. So, like I usually do, I went through my scrap material pile and found some 1/4&#8243; plywood that looked like it would do the trick.</p>



<p>Determining how to mount the console was the next task. In order to do this, I removed the ashtray and the storage cubby.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190901_145225136-1024x768.jpg" alt="Removing the ash tray and storage cubby" class="wp-image-5072"/><figcaption>Removing the ashtray and storage cubby</figcaption></figure>



<p>The cubby is removed by putting a hand in the cubby and pushing upward and then sliding it outward. The ashtray is removed by pushing a small screwdriver in each of the 2 slots in each side of the ashtray and pulling outward.</p>



<p>With the cubby and ashtray removed, it was evident how to mount the console. There are two layers of fairly strong plastic at the bottom of the cubby space and the top of the ashtray space. The plan is to through-bolt the plywood console to the plastic with large diameter washers so that the plywood is mounted to the top of the ashtray space. I will be able to reinstall the cubby box after the console is mounted.</p>



<p>The next step is to make a template for cutting the plywood console. This is where the Amazon boxes come in handy. I want a tongue that replaces the space that the ashtray had occupied which will be as deep and wide as the space will accommodate for maximum strength. The console itself will be as big as the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="swivel seats (opens in a new tab)" href="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/diy-sprinter-van-seat-swivels-revisited/" target="_blank">swivel seats</a> will allow.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190901_145134144_HDR-1024x768.jpg" alt="Cardboard template" class="wp-image-5073"/><figcaption>Cardboard template</figcaption></figure>



<p>Once the template size and shape is satisfactory, it is time to cut the plywood.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190901_145106589_HDR-768x1024.jpg" alt="Laying out the template" class="wp-image-5074"/><figcaption>Laying out the template</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190901_145542894-768x1024.jpg" alt="A good cheat to get nice rounded corners is to trace a large round object" class="wp-image-5075"/><figcaption>A good cheat to get nice rounded corners is to trace a large round object</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190901_152110683-1024x768.jpg" alt="The plywood is cut with a hand-held jigsaw" class="wp-image-5076"/><figcaption>The plywood is cut with a hand-held jigsaw</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190901_151844594_HDR-1024x768.jpg" alt="After many trial-fittings and minor adjustments, it fits perfectly" class="wp-image-5077"/><figcaption>After many trial-fittings and minor adjustments, it fits perfectly</figcaption></figure>



<p>It seems I stopped taking pictures during the latter stages of the build. </p>



<p>I lined up 3 gaps in the plastic layers of the space in the dash to drill holes in the plywood for the bolts to mount the plywood. Once I test fitted this, the plywood seemed a bit too flexy. To stiffen it, I glued a 1/2&#8243; x 1&#8243; hardwood rib along the middle of the plywood, front to back. This made a big difference.</p>



<p>The next step was to paint the edges of the plywood black to give it a more subtle look.</p>



<p>To get the surface of the console to be non-slip, I used <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="non-slip grip mat pad (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2nZxeFE" target="_blank">non-slip grip mat pad</a> with an adhesive backing that is used on stand-up paddle boards. I cut a piece slightly larger than the plywood and then stuck it to the plywood and trimmed it to fit with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="a razor knife (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2nVHpLz" target="_blank">a razor knife</a>.</p>



<p>The holes for the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="cup holders (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2oziAoG" target="_blank">cup holders</a> are drilled with a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="hole saw drill bit (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2prrdlz" target="_blank">hole saw drill bit</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190905_145104816-1024x768.jpg" alt="Drilling the holes for the cup holders" class="wp-image-5078"/><figcaption>Drilling the holes for the cup holders</figcaption></figure>



<p>The <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="cup holders (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2oziAoG" target="_blank">cup holders</a> that I ordered are nice looking stainless steel. However, on the first drive, the sun reflected off of them into my eyes, which was not good. The remedy for this was to paint them with <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="black plasti-dip paint (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2oE5ExG" target="_blank">black plasti-dip paint</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20190912_101630686_HDR-1024x768.jpg" alt="Painting the cup holders to make them less shiny" class="wp-image-5079"/><figcaption>Painting the cup holders to make them less shiny</figcaption></figure>



<p>I also added a USB socket to the console. I stole the power wire from the power adapter that was below the ashtray and spliced in the generic connectors. This is an always-on power source from the factory auxiliary battery. I also had the option of taking power from the ashtray cigarette lighter, but that is only on with the ignition, so I chose the other.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://ridingroadsandtrails.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_20191002_174637622-1024x768.jpg" alt="The finished center console" class="wp-image-5081"/><figcaption>The finished center console</figcaption></figure>



<p>The last touch was to enclose the space in the dash below the console where the ashtray was installed. I used some of the remaining <a href="https://amzn.to/2nZxeFE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="non-slip mat (opens in a new tab)">non-slip mat</a> pieces to enclose this space and have a second cubby space.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Materials &; Tools</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Cup holders (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2oziAoG" target="_blank">Cup holders</a></li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Non-slip grip mat pad (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2nZxeFE" target="_blank">Non-slip grip mat pad</a></li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Jigsaw (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2pp7Bys" target="_blank">Jigsaw</a></li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Drill (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2o0jpXw" target="_blank">Drill</a></li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Hole saw kit (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2o0jpXw" target="_blank">Hole saw kit</a></li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Razor knife (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2nVHpLz" target="_blank">Razor knife</a></li><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="USB plug (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amzn.to/2ptXNU0" target="_blank">USB plug</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2ptXNU0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Plasti-dip paint (opens in a new tab)">Plasti-dip paint</a></li></ul>



<p>Thoughts or questions, let us know what you think!</p>



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DIY Sprinter Van – Center Console Cupholder
Sprinter center console