Making a custom rat rod style cup holder can add a functional and stylish touch to older vehicles lacking modern conveniences. Follow this step-by-step guide to craft your own, ensuring both your drinks and your vehicle's aesthetic stay in perfect harmony.
Materials Needed:
- A large cup (for size measurement)
- Vintage oil filter (for the main base)
- Tin snips (for opening oil filter)
- Marker
- Measuring tape
- Rivet gun and rivets (optional)
- Welder (optional)
- Sanding block or a Scotch Brite pad
- Metal bending tools
Step by Step Instructions
Discover how to easily build a DIY cup holder for your car or home with this simple guide below:
Step 1: Measure and Choose Your Cup
Select a large cup as your standard size, ensuring it represents the maximum size you anticipate to use. This could be a large gas station cup or a thick foam one. Avoid planning for a coffee cup unless regularly needed. The goal is to accommodate a variety of sizes, focusing on the larger ones.
Step 2: Prepare the Oil Filter
Inspired by a vintage oil filter, use this as the primary base for the cup holder. Open the oil filter using tin snips—check out instructional videos if needed for clarity. Once opened, you'll have a steel shell that almost fits a cup perfectly but may require trimming for an exact fit.
Step 3: Trim the Oil Filter
Mark a line where you need to cut the oil filter to ensure the cup sits at the bottom rather than wedging at the sides. This prevents the suction effect when pulling the drink out, potentially dislodging the cup holder. Cut along your marked line.
Step 4: Make the Window Mount Strap
With the oil filter trimmed, utilize the leftover strap for the window mount. Ensure it builds a snug fit around the cup and measure how high it should be off the vehicle's window ledge. This prevents interference with vehicle controls or vents.
Step 5: Assembly
Decide whether to use rivets or welding for assembly based on your tools and preference. If riveting, ensure the rivets are the correct length to not protrude excessively. If welding, a TIG welder is preferable for its precision, especially with thin metal. Assemble the pieces, ensuring a stable, secure fit.
Step 6: Bend and Sand for Final Fit
Bend the mount at appropriate measurements (e.g., half an inch down and one inch out), using a block for consistency. Sand the edges with a Scotch Brite pad to remove burrs without chamfering the metal, ensuring it won't damage your vehicle's window.
Step 7: Test and Adjust
Finally, test the fit of your cup holder in your vehicle. Adjust by bending or trimming where necessary to ensure it doesn't obstruct operation or damage the window seal. Your rat rod style cup holder should be functional yet unobtrusive, blending seamlessly with your vehicle's vintage aesthetic.
Video Tutorial
For a step-by-step video tutorial, watch this YouTube video by sixtyfiveford.
It pairs well with this written guide, enriching your understanding of each step with visual cues to ensure success in your custom-build project.
Discover 25 Practical DIY Cup Holder Ideas for Your Home or Car
1. Wooden Cup Holder for Sofa Sleeve
Adding a wooden cup holder to your sofa sleeve enhances convenience and style. It's perfect for cozy evenings, ensuring your favorite beverage is always within reach. Its natural look complements any decor, making it a practical and aesthetic addition.
2. Unique DIY Car Cup Holder Extender
Transform your car's console with a unique DIY cup holder extender. It's a game-changer for those needing extra space for their drinks. Simple to craft, it ensures your beverages are securely positioned, making your drives more enjoyable.
3. Homemade Cup Holders in Cars
Creating homemade cup holders for your car is not only practical but also adds a personal touch to your vehicle. It's an easy solution to avoid spills and keep your drinks handy, enhancing your driving experience with a touch of creativity.
4. Plastic Cup Holder with a Sharpie Hole
A plastic cup holder with a Sharpie hole is ingeniously designed for artists on the go. It keeps your drink safe and your Sharpie accessible, making it ideal for those moments of inspiration anywhere, anytime.
5. DIY Bike Drink Holder
For cycling enthusiasts, a DIY bike drink holder is a must-have. It offers easy access to your beverage, making your rides more pleasant. Craft it to match your bike, and enjoy staying hydrated on your adventures.
6. Handmade Cup Holder for Old Car
A handmade cup holder is a perfect addition to an old car, blending functionality with nostalgia. It's a simple way to upgrade your vehicle, ensuring your drinks are securely held, no matter where your journey takes you.
7. Cute and Creative Outdoor Drink Holder
A cute and creative outdoor drink holder is a fantastic way to spice up your garden parties or BBQs. It's not only functional but also adds a playful element to your outdoor decor, making every sip a bit more special.
8. Free Couch Cup Holder Plan
Embrace woodworking with a free couch cup holder plan. It's an excellent project for beginners, offering a stylish and practical solution for your living room. Keep your drinks safe while adding a custom touch to your furniture.
9. DIY Coffee Cup Holder
Building a DIY coffee cup holder is a delightful project for any coffee lover. It's a great way to display your favorite mugs and keep your kitchen organized, adding a personal and functional touch to your coffee corner.
10. Make Your Own Truck Cup Holders
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11. How to Make Outdoor Cup Holder Using Aluminum Cans
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12. DIY Farmhouse-Style Coffee Cup Holder
A DIY farmhouse-style coffee cup holder adds charm and functionality to your kitchen. It's a lovely way to display your collection of mugs, bringing a cozy and rustic vibe to your coffee station.
13. Simple Cup Holder Out of Wood
Creating a simple cup holder out of wood is a great starter project for woodworking enthusiasts. It's practical, easily customizable, and adds a touch of warmth to any space, proving that sometimes, simple really is best.
14. Cheap PVC Pipe Cup Holder
Imagine relaxing in your favorite chair with a drink, but without worrying about spills. The cheap PVC pipe cup holder is a brilliant solution. It's affordable, easy to make, and you can customize its size. Plus, it’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for any room or even outdoors.
15. DIY Wooden Keurig K-cup Holder
For coffee lovers, having a designated spot for your K-cups elevates the morning routine. Making a DIY wooden Keurig K-cup holder adds a rustic charm to your kitchen. It’s not only a stylish accessory but also keeps your countertops clutter-free and your K-cups organized.
16. Sprinter Van Center Console Cupholder
The Sprinter Van center console cupholder is a game-changer for road warriors. It blends seamlessly with the van’s interior, providing a secure and accessible spot for your beverages. This addition is ideal for long drives, ensuring your drink is always within reach.
17. Make a K Cup Holder Storage Drawer
A K-cup holder storage drawer tucked beneath your coffee maker is both a space saver and an organizer’s dream. It keeps your K-cups neatly arranged and easily accessible, making your coffee selection a breeze. Plus, it adds a sleek look to any kitchen setup.
18. Making a Stroller Cup Holder
Adding a stroller cup holder is a small change that makes a big difference for active parents. It allows for easy access to your drink while strolling, ensuring you stay hydrated. This handy accessory is perfect for long walks or jogs with your little one.
19. Easy DIY K Cup Holder
Making an easy DIY K-cup holder brings simplicity and functionality to your coffee station. With minimal materials and effort, you can create a holder that keeps your favorite blends at your fingertips. It’s a straightforward project with a satisfying and practical result.
20. Laminated Cotton Cupholder
The laminated cotton cupholder is a stylish and waterproof option that’s perfect for on-the-go use. Its unique material is easy to clean and durable, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or daily commutes. Plus, it adds a splash of color to your beverage experience.
21. Awesome Gyroscope Cup Holder
Experience innovation with an awesome gyroscope cup holder. Its design keeps your drink level, no matter the angle, preventing spills effectively. It’s perfect for boats, RVs, or any moving vehicle where stability is a challenge. Enjoy your beverage, worry-free.
22. DIY K-cup Holder Made From Scrap Wood
Reusing scrap wood for a DIY K-cup holder not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your kitchen. It’s an eco-friendly project that results in a functional and charming piece, ideal for storing and displaying your K-cup collection.
23. Unspillable Desk Cup Holder Under $10
The unspillable desk cup holder is a must-have for anyone looking to safeguard their workspace from spills. For under $10, you can create a secure spot for your drink, keeping it away from important documents and electronic devices. It’s a simple solution with significant benefits.
24. Homemade Cup Holder for Kayaks
Kayakers understand the value of a homemade cup holder. It offers a practical spot to keep your drink safe and within reach without interrupting your paddle. This DIY project enhances your kayaking experience, allowing for hydration at your convenience.
25. Cup Holder for Serving Tray
Elevate your hosting game with a cup holder for serving trays. It ensures your guests’ drinks stay secure while mingling, reducing the risk of spills. This thoughtful addition makes serving refreshments more efficient and elegant, allowing you to focus on enjoying the gathering.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, making a DIY cup holder is a simple and rewarding project that can enhance your home decor while providing a practical solution for keeping your beverages at hand. With our step-by-step guide, you can personalize your cup holder to suit your style and taste, adding a unique touch to any room. Get started on your DIY cup holder today and enjoy the satisfaction of building something functional and beautiful.
