Flat Panel Conversion

[VinceB]

I paid $2k including the TV - it took only 1/2 day - here's before and after shots.

They cut the bottom off the box (about 4") & stained to match. Unscrewing the 3 screws at the top allows access to back of TV which is now hinged at the bottom.

Pic size is much larger than original and it receives 720 in full screen from broadcast TV perfectly with booster turned on with existing antenna.

Comments...?

[Mr_D]

Gee, I'd have done it for $1500!

Half a day = 4 hours, that's about $400 per hour! Even when I consulted for Freightliner setting up their SAN I didn't make that much.

[Drifter]

Looks good

[Steve N Sal]

Looks good to me and as long as your happy it's a wrap.

[Drifter]

MrD, Do Newmar's even have TV's?

[jlyon69]

Looks really good! I recently replaced both my TVs with a 24" and a 19" LEDs. Did it myself in about 4 hours with a total cost of a little over $400.00. If that 2 grand wasn't a typo, I would feel a bit raped. But if you're happy, that's all that matters!

[MONGO MAN]

Over the holidays I purchased a $1400.00 Epson 2D-3D projector with built in speakers & two pairs 3D glasses - a 74" pull down screen that hangs in front of existing TV on two hooks screwed into the back side of open cabnet doors $65.00 - 15' high speed HDMI cable $14.00 -Panasonic Blu-Ray player with free copy of AVATAR 2D-3D disk $112.00.
NO CARPENTRY WORK-Total install time 2 minutes one for each hook-I now view all DISH HDTV & Blu Ray movies on 74" screen for less than a direct view TV set.-Screen & Projector store & set up easily in less than a minute.
Also has built in slide show software to present photos from digital cameras & USB thumb storage & laptop computers.

[SRT]

Well, I wish some one would figure out an elegant way to replace the CRT TV that's "plumbed into" the dash. So far I haven't been able to figure out how to do mine (sorry, no picture). Not into storing a LCD, then mounting it when parked. This is a MY 2000 Vacationer that has the boob tube built into the center of the dash. Any thoughts?

[jlyon69]

It's pretty difficult to conceive a plan when you're not right there looking at it. On the other hand, never heard of anyone failing to make the conversion.

As I see it, you have 2 basic ways to do this.

1. Use an articulating mount which needs to be mounted on the side of the inside of the existing TV enclosure. This is only necessary if you want to pull the TV out from the face of the enclosure and point it in different directions.

2. Mount the TV flush with the front of the existing enclosure using a 1/2 inch thick wall mount. This is the one bought: VideoSecu TV Flat Panel Wall Mount Ultra Thin Mount Bracket

The below link will show you all the various mounts that are available.
TV Wall mounts

Support strength is the main issue either way you go. I opted for #2. In my case it was quite easy. My enclosure is heavy molded fiberglass. The opening was about 2 inches smaller all the way around then the enclosure itself. I measured a 2x4 to fit on the front of the inside. I knotched both ends enough so when in place, the face of the 2x4 was flush with the outside. Then 4 drywall screws through the face of the fiberglass into the 2x4.

Next, I cut a piece of oak plywood to fit the face of the enclosure, stained and drilled a small hole to feed wires through. The original enclosure had a nice oak trim piece, so I placed that over the new plywood face and attached with the 4 original screws and holes. I then screwed the wall mount through the plywood into the 2x4.

Then attached the other side of the wall mount to the TV and dropped it into the wall mount and plugged 'er in. I opted for LED/LCDs because they are much lighter and thinner, I believe mine are only 1.1 inches deep. Another plus (if you care) they draw very little amps.

I also discovered these LEDs are 12VDC, nice surprise! Now I didn't have to buy any inverter(s), I just hardwired into a 12V circuit.

[VinceB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D Gee, I'd have done it for $1500! Half a day = 4 hours, that's about $400 per hour! Even when I consulted for Freightliner setting up their SAN I didn't make that much.

Yep - it was a little steep. The trips to Home Depot is what hike the price.

It was their first one and it was 3 guys for the half day. They are a custom cabinet shop, so this was something new and outside their core business. They said the next one would go faster & be cheaper as they now have the kinks worked out and know what to have on hand.

If I need anything in the future, they will take care of me.

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRT Well, I wish some one would figure out an elegant way to replace the CRT TV that's "plumbed into" the dash. So far I haven't been able to figure out how to do mine (sorry, no picture). Not into storing a LCD, then mounting it when parked. This is a MY 2000 Vacationer that has the boob tube built into the center of the dash. Any thoughts?

I second the motion.
My wireless printer sets where the in-dash CRT used to be. For now I have an ottoman stored in front of the dash opening. When I want to see TV in the front of the coach (rarely) I bring the bedroom LCD out and set it on the ottoman. What I've noticed is the viewing height is too low to have a LCD-TV mounted where the dash opening is. The ottoman gives me the correct eye level viewing height, so when I mount something up front it needs to be about 1' higher then the bottom of the opening.

[GSGracie]

I still have the big box from the dash mounted TV, but I mounted a 32" behind the drivers seat, and put in a double recliner where the fold out couch used to be. I like the idea of the wireless printer where the big box is. 'Scuse the mess, but we are on holiday right now.

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSGracie I still have the big box from the dash mounted TV, but I mounted a 32" behind the drivers seat, and put in a double recliner where the fold out couch used to be. I like the idea of the wireless printer where the big box is. 'Scuse the mess, but we are on holiday right now.

Darn, really want to see your set up, but I can't get the pics to load.
Maybe the file size is too big?
or convert image to jpg?

jlyon69,
Any pics of yours?
I'm thinking about building something to go overhead like VinceB's

[GSGracie]

Sorry! Sent from my iPhone so can't reduce the size yet. Will take more pics (and tidy up) and send again once we get to a wifi that I can hook my laptop up to.