Batboard

It seem that Jotto Desk brand consoles are now available for the 98-03 Crown Victorias. These accommodate the Dash Mount Spectra radios as well as many different types of control heads.

There is a 12 inch model which requires bucket seats, but their 10 inch model fits with split bench seats.

Does anyone know if you have to remove the ash tray when using the 10 inch console? I can't tell from the picture in the new Galls catalog. Also, what is the " Climate Control " version of the console? Barely any info in the catalog and little more on the Jotto Desk web site.

By the way, are these the same consoles which Gamber-Johnson produced a year or two ago?

Thanks,
Geo.

The "climate control" version re-locates the HVAC controls from the dash into the console, because the console mounts up in front of the factory HVAC control location.

i have one in my 2000 and one in a 96 i had to remove the ash try on both vehicles as it can not be used and henders your mounting depth for equipment

Thanks Guys.

That tells me exactly what I wanted to know.

Geo

Also take a look at http://www.wvrs.org/cv/ for some pictures when I was trying to fit the console in without taking out the ashtray bracket - it doesn't work. Get the version that relocates the HVAC controls; it's too much of a pain otherwise.

If anyone wants to buy that console, we had to tear it out because the county insisted on using L&E mounts. Make me an offer.

Jacob,

Thanks for those images of the attempted installation of the Jotto Desk Console in the CV. You're certainly right, it is cumbersome to install and does not appear to allow a neat fit either.

I remember that Gamber-Johnson offered something very much like this which simply slid into the rails which held the ashtray. It seemd to seat nicely into the dash. This can't be the same one, can it ?

I was interested in the 10 inch Jotto Desk Console since this is for a CV with split bench rather than bucket seats. The 12 inch is for bucket seats only.

I'm not familiar with " L & E ", do they make those consoles?

Can you recommend a similar type of console, one which fits under the dash and would allow 3 Spectra A-5 sized dash mounts to be installed. I like the enclosed box which hides the loose wires thus making it a neater installation. It would be nice to have one which allows the ashtray to remain in place. When the ashtray is pulled out, it helps cover the console and conceal the equipment somewhat.

Many thanks,
Geo.

Jacob, that is messed up. Are you sure they sent the right console?
I've done several Jotto-Desks in CV's and they all seemed to fit better than that. I wonder if they mislabeled an Exploder console or something.
I liked the fit of both types, but the integrated heater control unit was a real pain in the a$$. The vacuum hoses were not long enough to fit the HVAC controls into the console, and had to be re-routed. The ones that fit under the heater controls made for a good spot to mount the 1225 mobile charger.

I don't have a good picture of it after I fixed the install, apparently. I called Jottodesk and they explained that not only do you have to take out the ashtray, you have to take out the ashtray mounting bracket too. It fit pretty well after that.

It seems like the 10 inch would have room for three Spectras, but watch out for the faceplates. They don't have ones that actually fit a Spectra remote head, and I ended up drilling and tie-wrapping and using 3" machine screws to make it work.

I'll get some pictures of the L&E install with the Data911 computer. Forget about reaching the HVAC controls at all with that setup.