....has finally broken.

<snip>

Never mind, I found this thread after I posted: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...armrest-64427/

 

Yeah, I keep an eye out for these kinds of parts at junkyards constantly. As the thread above points out, the earlier non-metal hinge version "leather" cover will not properly mount to the new cupholder mechanism due to the new metal hinges. I too found that out the hard way when I was retrofitting a salvage new model cupholder with the metal hinges.

I had to pick up a salvage cover and SEM Classic Color paint it to match.

Also had to reinforce several other parts of the armrest cover in general with JB Weld and plastic epoxy.

It's just not a durable design overall, and the specifically the earlier non-metal hinged cupholder mechanism.

It's surprising really as other parts in the general console area seem well thought out. For example the screws that attach the hinge to the console and the latch too are secured with machine screws that go into brass inserts.

If Jaguar had used a metal or thicker ABS bottom plate (the screw holes crack and break off), the cupholder had originally used metal hinges, and the cover's front holes where the bottom plate attaches were reinforced a bit better.... the lid would hold up fine.

Everything else around it is built like a tank.


.... but if one takes the time to replace the cupholder and do your best to reinforce the rest where possible, it should hold up if one treats it carefully. I also slowed the mechanism down a bit by putting some shims in the mechanism so it doesn't snap open, which should help it last, I hope. Now when I unhitch the button, I have to give it a slight push to open, but I like that better anyway knowing the stress these are under.


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