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09-15-2011, 05:43 PM | #1 |
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Some time ago there was a topic posted with the title "Cup holder?" which contained information about a tray for the center console that cannot be obtained in the USA. A couple of people obtained the open style tray without cup holders while visiting the UK.
This diagram shows the two types of trays with item 6 (and its mat, item 9) being that which is not available in the USA. Subsequently I've found and used a source to order that tray from the UK with good success. The information about how that can be done will be shared later in this post, but first I wanted to show a couple of pictures. This is the original tray: It's easily removed by taking out the two circular and one rectangular rubber mats and then removing the 4 torx screws: The new tray fits in perfectly and uses the same 4 screw holes. And then the mat for the tray is inserted. For those who might be interested, here's a side-by-side comparison of the actual trays where I stood them on the rear deck of the car: Before going into the specifics of how to obtain the open style tray I would be remiss to not first make the point that the parts and the shipping method used for them are expensive. The tray, part number 51169181218, was 19.40 UK pounds; the mat, part number 51169174845, was 9.91 pounds and the shipping via Royal Mail International with signature for delivery required was 18.00 pounds for a grand total of 47.31 which was converted by my MasterCard (USAirways World Elite) to US $76.94 and there was a 3% "foreign transaction fee" added ($2.31). The good news is there was no UK VAT (Value Added Tax) charged. Total elapsed time from when the order was placed to when it was received was 22 days. The company which I used is MotorMec Automotive Parts and this is their website: http://www.motormec.co.uk/. Unfortunately, there's no way to order the parts directly from that website. I worked with their sales manager Darren Martin via email: darren@motormec.co.uk They want this Order Form (an .rtf document) completed and either faxed or emailed to them. As I indicated, the whole process worked extremely well, as far as dealing with MotorMec. But the same can't be said for my credit card company. For reasons beyond my comprehension, even though I've placed foreign orders before including ones from China without any problems whatsoever, they decided to refuse authorization for the transaction from MotorMec. It took three progressively more irritated phone calls by me to the credit card customer service to finally get the authorization approved. Darren was remarkably understanding and patient through the ordeal. So, my advice is you should consider giving your credit card company a "heads up" beforehand that you will be placing such an order. I thought the situation was particularly ironic since the USAirways card is through Barclays, a UK company. Oh well. I am very pleased with the new tray and certainly find it a vast improvement over the original one for my purposes. Hopefully, some of you will find this information to be helpful. Best regards, Ed Last edited by EandS; 09-15-2011 at 06:56 PM.. |
09-16-2011, 07:31 AM | #3 |
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This is great info... thanks for the legwork!
I've always thought that those center console cup holders were as useful as t*ts on a boy dog. I may just pull the trigger for this solution.
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09-16-2011, 09:45 AM | #4 |
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nice work, much more usable space!
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09-21-2011, 07:49 PM | #7 |
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So I'm trying to install this tray, but I'm having trouble removing the smartphone adapter (part 8 in your diagram). Does anyone know how to remove it w/o breaking anything?
Since pictures speak a thousand words. I have attached some. Last edited by marcw; 09-21-2011 at 08:26 PM.. |
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09-22-2011, 11:20 PM | #8 |
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Nobody? Hmmm. Well if I can't figure out how to remove the smartphone adapter I might have a tray for sale.
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09-24-2011, 11:04 AM | #9 | |
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Quote:
If so, that seems like a strange design to me, given the likelihood that someone may want to remove it. (changing out a phone etc.) I'm stumped... (but if you think you may want to sell the tray... PM me.) Good Luck!
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09-25-2011, 06:12 PM | #10 |
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So is the piece in your picture the phone-specific "cradle" or is that what the cradle snaps in to (sorry I don't have this feature on my car)?
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09-25-2011, 07:07 PM | #11 |
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thats what the cradle snaps in to.
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09-26-2011, 08:46 AM | #12 |
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I wonder if it's an entirely different console box if you have smartphone integration? Could the non-smartphone cars have a box with a totally flat bottom?
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09-28-2012, 10:20 PM | #13 |
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I'm also trying to figure out how to remove the smartphone adapter so I can install the larger non-US version of the console tray. Has anyone ever figured out how to remove this adapter? Thanks...
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07-21-2014, 08:43 PM | #14 |
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Help
I'm also trying to remove the smart phone adapter cradle so I can do this mod. Does anyone know how to remove this (pc. 8) without breaking anything?
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07-22-2014, 06:13 AM | #15 |
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Smartphone adapter snaps in - I posted pictures some time ago of the back of this, so you can determine where to pry it up from. Do a search...
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07-23-2014, 03:04 PM | #16 |
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See the link to the other thread. I just finished my install after ordering the part online from a non US site. the install did not include the smartphone adapter so it is very easy. I just returned from a 3,000 mile trip to Canada, having the new try made it easy to store various items. glad I continued to pursue the new larger tray.
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=994496 |
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