2004 Honda Odyssey Cupholder Tray Mod

The stock cupholder tray between the front seats of the Honda Odyssey is a well-known spill hazard.
It is possible to modify the stock cupholders to make them less prone to spill.

This instructable gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

Please note that this modification is designed to accommodate medium sized cups (16 - 20 oz) with tapered sides, and straight sided 12 - 16 oz bottles. It does not work well with small cups. You need to determine for yourself whether thhis modification will meet your beverage needs.

Step 1: Cupholder Tray Base

The cupholder tray base is attached to the front passenger's seat. 

Step 2: Gently Remove Cover

Gently pull the bottom of the plastic cover to remove.
The cover is held in by 4 plastic push connectors.

Step 3: Cover and Connectors

The plastic cover and push connectors removed from the cupholder tray base.

Step 4: 12 Mm Nuts

Three 12mm nuts, indicated by the yellow arrows, hold the tray to the passenger seat. 

Step 5: Remove 12 Mm Nuts

Using a 12 mm socket or wrench, remove the mounting nuts that hold the cupholder tray to the passenger's seat.

Step 6: Tray Removed

Carefully remove the tray from the mounting bolts on the passenger seat.

Step 7: Remove 7 Screws

Place the cupholder tray upside down on a soft surface.

Remove the 7 small screws (flat-head Philips) indicated by the yellow arrows.

Step 8: Gently Lift Cover

Gently lift the plastic cover to separate it from the tray arm.
Gently remove the cover from the tray hinges. 

Step 9: Remove 2 Screws

Remove the 2 screws where indicated.
This makes a total of 9 screws removed so far.

The front plastic part of the cupholder assembly will now come apart from the metal tray.
The rear plastic part of the cupholder is still attached.

Flip the whole thing over and remove the front plastic part gently.

Step 10: Free the Rear Section

The front plastic section is removed from the metal base.

Remove the 2 screws indicated (pan head Philips).

Please note that these screws are different from the screws removed previously.
Don't mix them up! 

Step 11: 2 Types of Screws

Note the difference between the 2 front screws and the nine removed previously.

Step 12: Remove Rear Section

It should come right off after removing the 2 screws.

Step 13: Push

Push gently where indicated to remove the plastic ring that holds the rubber flaps.

Step 14: Remove Plastic Ring and Flaps

Remove plastic ring and flaps.

Do this for all four cupholders.

Step 15: Saw

Using a saw with medium to fine teeth, cut off the bottom part of all the cupholders.

Cut carefully so that you only remove the bottom part of the cupholder.

Step 16: Bottoms Removed

Bottoms removed from all four cupholders.

You may choose to only remove some of them, and leave some as they were.

Step 17: Sandpaper

Smooth any rough edges with some sandpaper.

Step 18: Stopping Point 1

If you only use tapered coffee mugs/cups in your vehicle, you can stop here.
Put everything back together, and enjoy your no-spill cupholders.

However, if you like the occasional iced tea or bottled water, read on.

Step 19: Straps, 60 Degree

Cut 2 pieces of 1 inch nylon webbing about 13 1/2 inches long.
Sew them together in the middle at about a 60 degree angle.

Fold over each end and sew it to make the end fatter than the webbing.

Step 20: Install Webbing

Use the plastic ring to attach the webbing to the cupholder as shown in the picture.

Push the ring down until it snaps into place.
You should be able to slide the nylon webbing to make some last minute adjustments.

Step 21: Snap Plastic Ring Down

The fat sewn end of the nylon webbing keep it from pulling out past the plastic ring.
When the plastic cupholder is attached to the metal tray, everything is held even more tightly.

Step 22: Snapped in Place

The webbing in place, and the ring snapped on.

Step 23: Close Up

Close up

Step 24: Repeat for All Cupholders

Repeat for all cupholders

Step 25: Finished Product

Finished product

Step 26: Product Demo

Product demo

Step 27: In the Van

Reverse all the previous steps to re-assemble the cupholder tray and re-install it in the van.

Here's what it looks like when it is done.

Step 28: Crack

After a few weeks of use, one of the cupholders developed a crack, shown in the picture.
This crack is purely cosmetic, not functional.
The metal base underneath provides all the strength needed.

Enjoy!