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Casper New TV

October 09, 2011, 01:16:00 pm

Question?  Picture of existing 13 inch TV and cabinet.  Also picture of new TV.  What I think needs to be done is remove the old unit if it can be done.  Take four inches off the front and reinstall so the new TV is closer to the overhead and at the same angle.
 
New TV is 24 1/2 inches wide and 15 inches tall.  If I just attach it in front of the current cabinet it puts it too far out.  If I remove the old cabinet completely it will leave a hole between the sun shades.  Couldn't see the hole from the inside unless in the front seats, but could if outside.

Comments, suggestions.

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Re: Casper New TV

Reply #1 – October 09, 2011, 01:22:39 pm

Check with Gary O.  He mounted his in the center by modifying the cabinets and their doors.  There may be a picture in files.
Gary B

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Reply #2 – October 09, 2011, 02:08:52 pm

Jerrry, I did pretty much what you suggested on my U225.

To remove the old TV, remove the caps on the two screws on the upholstered top bar across the top of the TV. Remove the three inch screws. You will probably have to pry that top bar out because the leather sticks but it will come loose. Once the top bar is removed, the only thing holding the TV in place is an aluminum L bracket screwed to the bottom of the TV box. The TV needs to be tilted top toward you and lifted up and pulled out. This will get the base up and over the L bracket and release the TV. There is nothing holding the old TV in place other than pressure and friction. Have someone standing by to unhook the antenna and power cord as you remove the TV.

Once the old TV was out, I took the entire box out by removing all of the wood screws that were holding it in place.

I then carefully removed the leather covering for later use. I disassembled the plywood box for further use. In the end I cut down the bottom of the box to cover the hole that was left by its removal. I used the saved leather upholstery and foam to reupholster the plywood and attached it flush to the fiberglass. It looked pretty good and natural.

I attached a 2 X 4 across the opening in the fiberglass where the box had been with six dry wall/wood screws. I made my own TV mounting bracket out of wood so the 2 X 4 was inset 1". You will need to attach your TV mount to the TV and hold it up to the opening to see where you will attached your cross piece or pieces. You will want to keep the TV at least 1" away from any part of the chassis to allow for movement and vibration. I used rubber washers as vibration dampers on the mounting screws and installed a home made damper made from a water heater hose and wood dowel.

I would get you some photos but I Dave Cobb now has the coach. I may be able to find some photos and if so will post them for you.

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Reply #3 – October 09, 2011, 02:22:17 pm

Thanks Kent.  Ideal thing would be to cover the hold left when the entire box is removed.  I am in the process of removing the old TV and box now.  Perhaps then I can get a better idea how to finish the hole left.  How did you cover the hole between the sun shades?  That is what is unclear to me at this point.

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Reply #4 – October 09, 2011, 02:38:26 pm

Jerry, if you mean the hole in the front of the overhead, I left it open. It is totally hidden by the new TV and allows good access for the mount and the wiring.

One thing you may not have considered is if the TV is too wide you can't open or close the two walnut doors. If it is close, you can move the hinges but if your install anything bigger than a 22" I think you may not be able to use these doors. 

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Reply #5 – October 09, 2011, 02:44:39 pm

I removed the old TV.  Got a piece of clear, cabinet quality, plywood and attached it into the hole where the TV was.  Then I mounted the new TV to the plywood, using a adjustable mount.  Drilled hole in the plywood behind TV for the wiring.  My TV is just narrow enough that I can open both doors on either side.  But the DW had to learn not to hit her head when exiting the co-pilots seat.

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Reply #6 – October 09, 2011, 02:56:22 pm

Another option that we chose and are very happy with: 

U225 overhead TV replacement - Help!!!

Scroll down to my post and below that to photos.

Eliminated the box and its limitation on view out the windshield.

Brett

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Reply #7 – October 09, 2011, 04:57:35 pm

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.  I have removed the old TV.  And the box it was mounted in.  Now that I can see what's left it is clear what needs to be done.  With careful measuring the old box and be cut to fit the opening.  Peal the leather back and replace when the box is trimmed.  The box will be trimmed to fit flush with the fiberglass with the sides one inch instead of four.  The bottom will be square with the bottom of the fiberglass between the sun shades.  I plan to mount the new LED TV using a adjustable arm which will allow the TV to be moved so the two side doors can be accessed.  One is filled with a blower anyway.  I may change my mind as I get further along.

I am going to take pictures as I proceed.

For now the TV is sitting on the dash since BB playoffs are on.  The Samsung 26 inch LED is the prefect size for Casper.  Next project will be to place the receiver in the closet and get a HDMI cable to the front.  And power to the front TV.  Yikes.

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Reply #8 – October 09, 2011, 05:08:09 pm

The TV takes a lot of G force up there.  One of the reasons I solidly mounted it.

Be very careful using any kind of arm mount.

Brett

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Reply #9 – October 09, 2011, 05:34:19 pm

Jerry I was absolutely amazed at how much the TV bounced around when underway and mine was only a 19". I think you will be shocked when you see the pressure put on an arm mount as you roll down the road as Brett has suggested. Of course if we are correct you can always change to a solid mount later. Just keep an I on the mounting.

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Reply #10 – October 09, 2011, 07:10:54 pm

If the arm is a short one and fully retracted it should be OK.  I haven't made a final decision yet.  Stationary one would be fine if I could figure a way to attach the TV to it with the box back in place.

Maybe put the altered box in last and secure it thru the doors on each side.

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Reply #11 – October 09, 2011, 10:17:58 pm

my el cheapo solution (except for the tv!)

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Reply #12 – October 09, 2011, 10:37:59 pm

I don't know about El Cheapo. It looks pretty nice to me. Good Job!!!

What size is the TV?

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Reply #13 – October 10, 2011, 03:18:23 pm

Samsung 22" LED...love it!  My solution involved tearing off the vinyl, cutting down the sides and front to just slightly extending beyond the overhead cabinets, staining the plywood (Minwax Polyshades Antique Walnut) and hinging up a board on hinges along the front edge and some hardware (barrel bolt) on the backside of the mounting board so that I can reach inside the box and secure the wood backer board in the stowed position.  I added some magnet latches so that I can put it up without securing the bolt, which is now only needed while underway.  I keep the remotes for the tv and the blue ray (which is in the passenger side overhead) up there.  One issue: I've read where any impact to the screen of an LED tv is fatal, which I didn't know when I installed it and luckily didn't have any mishaps.  I now think that with the screen totally exposed like it is I may have in issue at some point and now wish I'd have not gone LED.

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Reply #14 – October 13, 2011, 05:28:22 pm

I finished our TV upgrade.  Samsung 26 inch LED.  Quite pleased with the results.  Altered the old box to fit the opening when the old analog was removed.  Installed the TV on a mount installed in the altered box.  Prefect size.  I took pictures along the way and they are poor due to lighting.  Will retake them in better light and post them.

Thanks to all who answered my query.  Next.  BR TV.  That will be easy compared to the front unit.

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Re: Casper New TV

Reply #15 – October 13, 2011, 11:25:26 pm

Can't wait to see the pics.  This is a project I plan to tackle as soon as the funds show up!

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