what console to buy...

remote_medic · Post by **remote_medic** » Fri Dec 22, 2006 7:49 am

Hello all,

I'm looking for a console to mount in my 1998 GMC Suburban with bucket seats and the factory console in place. I would like to have a console that fits in front of the factory one.

I've been looking at the Jotto 9 inch short stack and a gambler johnson one. I'm just wondering if you guys have had any experiences with either one of these and if you have any pictures of the consoles instlled.

Thanks
Chris

SafetyLighting · Post by **SafetyLighting** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 7:24 am

I use Troy Products, and have had great luck with them.

tvsjr · Post by **tvsjr** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 8:45 am

Jotto is decent stuff but, for me, is hard to get parts for. Not as many distributors.

I used to run Gamber... however, the consoles are narrower (things like scanners don't fit) and the attachment system (velcro + rail) isn't as nice as the screws-into-track method.

Currently, I run Havis... easy for me to get parts/faceplates for, wide enough for about everything I want, very comprehensive faceplate list, and is very "dense" (whereas Troy, with the full-surround faceplates, is not nearly as dense).

remote_medic · Post by **remote_medic** » Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:18 pm

Thanks for the input guys, I spent about 3 hours on the phone with Jotto, Gambler, and Havis and the only one that I found to be remotely helpful was Havis, so that is what I chose. It was a bit more expensive then Jotto but worth it.

They were friendly and were able to tell me that a 10 inch consolidatory will fit in my truck. Jotto and Gambler said they had no vehicle information from before 2003. I also noticed that almost every faceplate from Jotto was a 3 inch plate...where as Havis were 2 1/2 inch face plates for the same piece of equipment.

I'll post a picture of it when it is installed.

Thanks again
Chris

Post by Pj » Mon Jan 01, 2007 1:33 pm

I have a full Gamber Johnson mount in my 1997 Suburban.

I believe the stuff is still in their current catalog. Where you talking to GJ direct or a reseller?

remote_medic · Post by **remote_medic** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:29 am

I spoke to Gambler Johnson directly. At first the person on the phone said I could fit any console I wanted into the space where the center console was....took me 3 tries to get them to understand that I want to leave the factory console alone and install a small radio console infront of the factory one.

They said they had no information about my vehicle with factory console. They wanted me to take a picture and send exact measurements. It was the next comment that did it for me: "Mail us the picture and I'll have a look at it when I have the time". I just didn't feel like they wanted to make an effort for my buisness...

Just my opinion of course

Chris

tvsjr · Post by **tvsjr** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:43 am

I've had the same experience with Gamber - thus my move to Havis. Gamber was always hard to get anyone's attention... ordering the stuff was *always* a zoo... and they're expensive. Plus, the lack of console width sucks.

Havis has always been very responsive on the phone... they'll also do simple stuff like send extra faceplate screws for free - just call and ask (one bag isn't enough when you have a fully-populated 30" console like mine).

You'll be happy with your Havis console.

Post by Pj » Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:00 am

In that style truck, you have to remove the factory console. The only way to get something where you want it is to bolt something into the floor (for the most part) instad of using the seat bolts. Plus, that going to be so far forward, its a nusance to switch something on or change a channel (trust me, I tried).

BTW: GJ doesn't sell directly, and if you do call them directly, ask for tech/product support. Those guys are really good.

Also, if you go to Gamber Johnson's website and click on products, the first menu brings you right to the correct stuff you are looking for (C/K 1500 trucks 1994-1999)

http://www.gamberjohnson.com/?p_id=11

http://www.gamberjohnson.com/?p_id=66&p_v_id=83

remote_medic · Post by **remote_medic** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 7:14 am

I do not HAVE to remove my factory console, nor do I want to. For my needs a small radio console is all I need to mount a scanner, CB, and an infrequantly used VHF radio.

I do not mind drilling through the floor of my truck (It is a 98 afterall) and for how often I use the items in the truck leaning forward to turn something on or off is not going to be a problem.

I've been to that website many times, and it is useless to me unless I want to remove the factory console.

Havis' specifically makes a mount for my vehicle and a console that is advertised to fit infront of the factory console, plus they were much friendlier on the phone - which is why they got my buisness

Chris

60A · Post by **60A** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 5:59 pm

Just curious, what model number is it? I have a 99' that I have always wanted the same thing for!

remote_medic · Post by **remote_medic** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 4:42 am

It is the 10 inch consolidator (C-1000) with a B-13 bracket.

I'll post some pics when it arrives and gets installed.

Thanks
Chris

remote_medic · Post by **remote_medic** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:55 am

Well, the console has been installed and I must say I am very happy with it. I'm afraid my digital camera is on the fritz but I will post pics as soon as I can.

I have mounted in the box a CB radio, Pro 2055 Scanner, Kenwood TM 271A, and a Galls switch box.

On the left outside of the box is the mount for my mag light. On the right outside of the box is my 400W Power inverter and 3 prong 12 outlet.

It fits right into place perfecty, looks good, and was easy to install. On a side not the B-13 bracket is aparently no longer made so I had to bolt directly into the floor which isn't a problem for me to do

Chris

Double_Deuz · Post by **Double_Deuz** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 8:05 am

Just from my experience, my company is a distributor for both and if I had to choose

I would pick Jotto for the looks and the install

and Gamber Johnson for rigidity, they make heavy duty equipment.

Gamber typically ships slower though

that is my two cents