In a message dated 96-11-14 10:30:03 EST, tforhan@pipeline.com (Tom Forhan)
writes:

> I saw the thread in the archives about OEM cupholders
> being seen at K-Mart or Wal-Mart. Well, around here, no luck.
> Wal-mart doesn't have anything like it, K-Mart has a cheap
> imitation, no joy either at the local warehouse-type parts 
> stores. So several questions:
> 
> (1) Anybody seen any lately?

Yes.  Several places.

> (2) Where?

Like I said, "several places".  Oh, you want to know which places?
I've seen and bought them at auto accessory stores.  Not regular parts
stores, but stores that specialize in auto goodies like bras, fender flares,
& cup holders.  A couple of ones locally seem to be oriented toward
accessories for American vans and pick-up trucks. They carry bed liners,
"captains" chairs, pedestal tables, tie-downs & stuff like that.

> (3) Are they really identical to the VW unit, or just similar.

VERY similar.  They look as if the second company used the original item and
tried 000to make a duplicate.  The original ones had a circular ring that a
soda can fit into well.  Lately (for several years) the ring has been
replaced by two seperate arcs that can slide apart to fit larger cups and
mugs with a handle.  The mounting holes on all are in the same position as
VW's.

> If that is the case, maybe it was the K-Mart version (with a
> spring steel band holding the cup) was the item talked about earlier.

No.  All the ones I've used (plenty) have molded plastic circles or arcs
holding the cup.

> (4) Anybody actually buy one and know who the manufacturer is;
> maybe I could contact them to find someone retailing them?

Don't know.

Good luck,
Jim Davis
87 GL Syncro
88 GL Wolfsburg