PCAracer
Oklahoma
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Joined: 02/16/2008
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I decided to upgrade my front TV for several reasons. No HD capablity, poor picture, heavy with lots of squeeks and rattles and I could go on. Really it was just ugly and made the coach really look dated for the most part.
First I took the old TV out. Every RV mounts them different. In my Kountry star the front face plate was held in by 4 large wood screws on the sides. There were 4 pieces of wood attached to the front face plate. once that was off the TV was only held in by a thin sheet metal bracket at the top of the TV with three screws. Thats it! Glad it did not tumble in my lap. Anyway once out I made my plan on what TV and mounting system I would use.
I decided on a basic box out of 3/4 inch plywood attached to the side mounting boards of the front face plate. This would mount the whole structure to the metal box of the old TV cabinet. Also since the TV was smaller than the old hole the box would be inside the old opening thus reducing the hole by 3/4 inch all the way around. Even though the new TV was smaller the picture is actually bigger or at least wider and the same height.
I lined the box with stick on felt and covered the edges of the exposed box with painted 3/4 inch trim. I think it turned out really nice and it looks much better in person. The flash realy washes out the woodwork. It totally changes the feel of the front of the coach. I don't plan on stopping here. Bedroom is next and then some spiffing up of the decor. It may not be a Prevost when I am done but it will certainly be custom.
Here is the box design. Pretty simple. Its dimentions are just inside the old hole and it is held in place by screws through the side boards. I countersunk the screws so it woiuld fit back into the cabinet.
Here is a test fit of the TV and then a Test fit in the coach.
Next up was to line the box with felt. I did this by taking it back apart so the seams would be tight.
Now I cut, test fit and painted the trim to cover the edges of the plywood.
Final assembly
Final instalation
These pics. show how flush it is.
This pic shows a better representaton of what it looks like with out the flash bouncing all over the place.
Comments welcome. It was a fun project. I got most of my ideas here.
2005 Newmar Kountry star 3910
Spartan Chassis with ISC Cummins 330 Hp
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wilco
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 10/14/2003
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Good job! Looks great.
tfw
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zsr22
Atlanta, GA
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Not too shabby. Are there any vents on the back of the TV?
Zack
1998 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 36WGS
Front Row Talladega Infield | ol' Kegerator | Our UGA Tailgate
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kjames90755
Signal Hill, CA
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Joined: 01/27/2008
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zsr22 wrote:Not too shabby. Are there any vents on the back of the TV?
I was going to ask the same thing...those flat panel displays do throw a lot of heat...
2008 Itasca Meridian 37H, All. 3000MH (6-auto), Freightliner XC Chass., Cummins 6.7L Turbo, (Sweet! Delivery 03/12/08). Tow: '07 Dodge Gr. Caravan, Me, Him; Sugarbear, Apr. Toy Poodle; Pepe, Blk Toy Poodle; Hero, fat Siam.-mix polydactyl cat/Alarm Clock.
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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Nice garage floor there!
oh, and nice install on the TV!
SSSStefan
2006 Chev 2500HD - Crew Cab D/A
2005 VW Passat TDI wagon - tow vehicle for the pup!
2005 Fleetwood Allegiance
The most important thing you will ever do - www.claybe.com
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zsr22
Atlanta, GA
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kjames90755 wrote:zsr22 wrote:Not too shabby. Are there any vents on the back of the TV?
I was going to ask the same thing...those flat panel displays do throw a lot of heat... I think with an LCD he'll be OK. A plasma on the other hand... Well, they seem to get a lot hotter than their flat panel counterparts.
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jetjock46
Sandwich, IL
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Joined: 01/19/2003
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Most LCD TV installation instructions require air space because of the heat. I know when I installed mine that was something that I had to take into account for. You may want to check it out to see what it is so you don't have problems in the future.
2002 Phaeton OH
Keep the Blue Side UP.........
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PCAracer
Oklahoma
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zsr22 wrote:Not too shabby. Are there any vents on the back of the TV?
There is a large hole where the wires go through. The TV has vents on the top and bottom. The bottom is wide open underneath so air can circulate easily. The top is a little tighter but still open and air can move from bottom to top and there is a spacer behind the TV pushing it away from the back wall of the box by around 2 inches. If it get a little warm, it would be a 5 min. job taking it back out and drilling a few holes back there. There is a 1/4" gap at the top and sides and 3" at the bottom. I have seen LCD displays in new coaches confined a lot more than mine. I will keep an eye on it though. I apreciate the advice.
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PCAracer
Oklahoma
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TDInewguy wrote:Nice garage floor there!
oh, and nice install on the TV!
Thanks, that is actually stained concrete if you can believe it. We experimented with it when I did my garage addition. We cut it with a concrete saw to form 2' tiles on diagonal. Stained and sealed it and then put in black grout. Turned out great. ITs been really tough as well. It usually shines more but is dirty. Needs to be buffed out.
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zsr22
Atlanta, GA
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PCAracer wrote:zsr22 wrote:Not too shabby. Are there any vents on the back of the TV?
There is a large hole where the wires go through. The TV has vents on the top and bottom. The bottom is wide open underneath so air can circulate easily. The top is a little tighter but still open and air can move from bottom to top and there is a spacer behind the TV pushing it away from the back wall of the box by around 2 inches. If it get a little warm, it would be a 5 min. job taking it back out and drilling a few holes back there. There is a 1/4" gap at the top and sides and 3" at the bottom. I have seen LCD displays in new coaches confined a lot more than mine. I will keep an eye on it though. I apreciate the advice. Sure, no problem. Nice install!
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