Center Shift Delemma / Modify Jotto

[RadioDitch]

I'm sure I'm not the only person to ever have this quandary, so I figured I'd ask...

I'm the proud owner of a 2008 Chevy Impala LS. The problem? It's center shift. But hey, I couldn't argue with the deal. As a radio enthusiast/ham/member of an EMS agency, this poses an issue. How to mount radios. Has anyone found a solution of their own to deal with this obstacle?

My thought was to somehow either modify a Jotto console to go in front of the passenger seat, rather than in the non-existent center space. Or modify a Jotto laptop stand somehow. Anyone try anything like this before?

Thanks guys/gals...

 

[gtriever]

I'd check with Precision Mounting Technologies. We outfitted several center-shift Ford Explorers with their consoles.

 

[KJ4NFP]

You're not alone...

You are not the first with this issue. I was right there with you a few years back with an '07 impala. I tried several solutions including making a console of wood and fiberglass (which did work pretty well) but I was not completely thrilled. I ended up removing the center console and shifter, changing the transmission shift cable and installing a factory column shifter. I then purchased Jotto's setup including the angle console, floor plate, accessory plate, and the armrest storage box. I did quite well with ebay and parts so the job of modding the car was under $100. The console setup was pieced together over time, but still ran a couple hundred. I am still tickled today with it.

I guess the moral of my long story is this: If you are going to do it, do it right. It took some time and money but the end product was well worth it!


RJC
KJ4NFP

 

[RadioDitch]

You are not the first with this issue. I was right there with you a few years back with an '07 impala. I tried several solutions including making a console of wood and fiberglass (which did work pretty well) but I was not completely thrilled. I ended up removing the center console and shifter, changing the transmission shift cable and installing a factory column shifter. I then purchased Jotto's setup including the angle console, floor plate, accessory plate, and the armrest storage box. I did quite well with ebay and parts so the job of modding the car was under $100. The console setup was pieced together over time, but still ran a couple hundred. I am still tickled today with it.

I guess the moral of my long story is this: If you are going to do it, do it right. It took some time and money but the end product was well worth it!


RJC
KJ4NFP

Thanks RJC. I was wondering if that was even possible. That might just be what I do then. When you say modding the car was under $100, I am assuming that means you did it yourself. There's no way labor at a shop would make it that cheap.

Can you upload some pics btw?

 

[KJ4NFP]

Unfortunately, I have no pics on hand, but I'll see what I can come up with.

I did do the work myself. I purchased the transmission shift cable from a dealer, but I found the column shifter on ebay. Just be sure to get one with the shift interlock mechanism attached, this prevents shifting before depressing the brake. The bolt pattern is already drilled and tapped on your steering column. The wire harness from the center shift lock needs to be relocated to the column, but that's pretty easy. The shift cable currently passes form your floor shifter straight through to the engine bay. Your new cable will go through an existing penetration that is covered with a grommet near the hole for the column itself. The console is very easy to remove and the shifter only has four bolts. Leave the "crush box" in place. It's the black box in the rear of the console. I ordered Jotto parts:
425-6137 (console)
425-6088 (armrest)
425-3014 (accessory plate)

The jotto stuff was straightforward and very easy (compared to the vehicle mod). That's all I can think of for now. I will say I ran my own power infrastructure, and just ignored the factory wiring. That is a whole other discussion.

RJC
KJ4NFP

 

[RadioDitch]

With this information you have made me a very happy ham. Now my girlfriend on the other hand...haha.

Thanks buddy!!

 

[KJ4NFP]

My wife was not the least thrilled and refused to ever drive the car...

 

[donny612]

My wife was not the least thrilled and refused to ever drive the car...

And that's a bad thing??? LOL!!!

 

[RadioDitch]

And that's a bad thing??? LOL!!!

The man has a point! lmao.