Changing out TV in 2004 Diplomat

[FMFDOC]

I am considering changing out the front and rear televisions to flat screen HD.
I would like to do it myself . Don't know where to start. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Diplomat Don]

FMFDOC......I found a 32" Sony that fit OVER the opening that my front TV was in. I welded up my own brackets that mounted to the brackets already in place.

I've made brackets for a couple of TV's now. I have no interest in them opening up, so mine were permanent, accessible from behind the TV box. I use strips of 1" plate the height of the TV. Generally, there are four mounting holes on the back of TV's. I run the 1" plate vertically over two of the holes on one side of the TV and try to screw into a chassis screw at the top and bottom of the TV back. I weld two long bolts to the 1" plate for mounting. When everything is ready for installation, I place two sided tape on the 1" plate, stick it to the TV and then screw in the screws.

Another way, is to mount a sheet of plywood in the opening and then buy a premade bracket for the TV. Attach the bracket and bolt it to the plywood. The plywood can also be hinged to open up. Just a couple of options.

I didn't want to do or spend the money to rework my wood cabinets, so here is how I mounted mine in the front.




TV Mod In Bedroom

[oldtymer]

Hi Bruce

Have taken your rig on trips yet. I changed my front TV to a 26 inch flat screen. The 26 inch just fit inside my cabinate with a little trimming of the front wood frame. I built a plywood box to fit inside the existing cabinet to provide support for the articulating arm TV mount. I can pull the TV out of the cabinate and angle it for viewing if necessary and while traveling, I push it back in the cabinate. I made a couple of wood supports that slip under the TV to lock in the travel position and provide support so the mounting arm is not getting any dynamic loads. I also ran two TV coax cables to the last Bay on the passenger side to allow connection for my portable satellite and provide for an outside TV. A 110 outlet was already in this bay. I have not changed out the bedroom TV yet but my plan is to change this out to a 26 in flatscreen also. I am looking for a TV mount that will allow me to easily remove the TV and use it outside with a mount in the bay. I found lots of pictures of other tv projects in this forum so do a search. Good luck with this, it is not overly difficult to do. Regards Steven

[FMFDOC]

Thanks Steve
No major trips planned, taking it to a Packer Game in August, some local trips planned and am planning on parking at campground during reunion so Bruce Jr and family.

[JDT]

A friend of mine has an 04 Endeavor, the Dip's corporate twin. He replaced his old tv with one that just fit inside the 2 panels on both side of the old tv. I think he got an Emerson 32" from Walmart as most he looked at would not fit. I reshaped the oak side panels for him in my wood shop. Had to cut them back about 7" if I remember right. When you pull out the old tv you will have to remove most of the mounting bracket but leave enough of it to mount the lcd in.

[Robi.1014]

In addition to the "mechanicals" of changing out the TV, you might consider the audio (sound) function of the new TV you purchase. Sometimes these 32" HDTVs have rather small speakers (compared to the tube Sony you're about to chuck). The sound quality of these smaller speakers may leave you wanting. If this is the case, the way to improve the sound is to connect the AUDIO OUT of the new TV to your surround-sound system (as the old TV is currently connected, I'm guessing).

What I hope to contribute here is that some HDTVs have a function called "variable audio out" (rather than just a "fixed audio out" volume level). The more sophisticated "variable audio out" will allow you to use the HDTV's remote to control not only its speaker volume but the surround-sound volume as well.

BTW, most salespersons are not aware of this variable "feature", and all too often, the manufacturer's web site "specifications" section won't even tell you this.

[RovinOn]

I just replaced my factory Panasonic with a 36" flat panel, all I did was mount it in the same place using all the same hold downs and a little foam insulation tape. Very short sweet and simple.
Have not noticed any movement with this since installaton.

Regards,
RovinOn

[FMFDOC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldtymer Hi Bruce Have taken your rig on trips yet. I changed my front TV to a 26 inch flat screen. The 26 inch just fit inside my cabinate with a little trimming of the front wood frame. I built a plywood box to fit inside the existing cabinet to provide support for the articulating arm TV mount. I can pull the TV out of the cabinate and angle it for viewing if necessary and while traveling, I push it back in the cabinate. I made a couple of wood supports that slip under the TV to lock in the travel position and provide support so the mounting arm is not getting any dynamic loads. I also ran two TV coax cables to the last Bay on the passenger side to allow connection for my portable satellite and provide for an outside TV. A 110 outlet was already in this bay. I have not changed out the bedroom TV yet but my plan is to change this out to a 26 in flatscreen also. I am looking for a TV mount that will allow me to easily remove the TV and use it outside with a mount in the bay. I found lots of pictures of other tv projects in this forum so do a search. Good luck with this, it is not overly difficult to do. Regards Steven

Forgot about reunion trip to Murfreesboro in early October. It would be great if we could camp together. Mike and Nancy are considering it. Debby and Tom will be coming along with us.