First, thanks to all that have posted on this topic previously. All the photos and descriptions were very helpful.
See the photos below. First, we decided not to cut back the cabinet at this point. The installed flat screen (32" Sumsung LED) is only about 1/2" out further than the Sony CRT TV installation since I did not use the original frame. I reinforced the front end of the TV cabinet as shown. This also provided a frame for a piece of 3/4" plywood to which the mount was attached. I used a Sanus low profile mount (model VML10-B1). The mount is attached to the plywood with #10 screws and its top is about 2.5" from the headliner. This allows plenty of room to move the TV up for removal from the mount. The plywood is recessed about 7/8" from the front of the original TV cabinet. This mount has quick release tabs which release the bottom lock on the mount. It also have "clickstands" that hold the TV away from the surface to which it is attached for easy access to cables, etc.
In shopping for a TV for the FT, one important feature was how sturdy the mounting holes were on the back to TV. This Samsung model using M8 screws and the tapped holes are metal. It appears to be a very sturdy design. Time will tell.
To finish off the space at the top of the TV, my friend Kirby created a piece of walnut about 29" long, 2.5" high and 3/4" thick that slides in between the TV and headliner. He rounded the ends to make it look like the original cabinet. It not only fills the space at the top of the TV, but also provides an additional lock to keep the TV in place. The TV cannot move upward with it in place. I still have to finish it and will probably use some sort of oil finish.
George,
Looks fantastic! Now take that $1400+ you saved by not having to hire someone and buy Kirby a nice gift/bottle of his favorite beverage and take Ms. Pat out to dinner to celebrate.
Then take the rest and buy Cosmo a supply of deer antler chews.
Regards,
The Posse
George,
The upgrade looks very well done. Having done my TV conversion over the drivers side, I know how something that looks real good can take a very long time to achieve perfectly. I shortened my cabinet as my HD unit was not an LED like yours. Man, that TV is thin...looks great!
Ditto on your audio upgrade as well...
George,
I hate to be redundant after the other comments
but it looks great and a job well done.
Really, really fine job, George. When Pat asked for the Phillips head screw driver, I hope you were there to hand it to her.
Great job George! :)
Very nice. Looks great.
I have been planning to something similar, but will probably have that head-knocker cabinet cut back a bit.