It sounds like you are getting the wrong thing. I think the one you are describing is the one for 98 and newer cars.
The revised cup holder for 95 to 97 cars is a stronger larger single pull up and fold out cupholder that will also require a new bezel. The cup holer is bout $50.00 or $55.00 and I think the bezel is about $10.00 or $15.00.
I have the upgrade in my 98, and it is essentually an upgrade to the 2000 style. Since the consol is very different, it will not even begin to work on the early cars, unless you change the consol too.
