Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Topic: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320 (Read 729 times) previous topic - next topic

Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

March 04, 2015, 01:32:44 am

I am going to replace the Javelina back-up monitor and am considering enlarging the cut out in the right side dash panel to accommodate a new monitor. Has anyone done this? Is it possible to enlarge the existing monitor opening without damaging the luminescent circuit in the dash panel? I drilled a hole in the panel for an idiot light without consequence so I know there are some safe places to cut the panel. I could surface mount the new monitor, but I would rather flush mount it.

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #1 – March 04, 2015, 01:41:06 am

I think only the Javelina corp. who made the dash would know for sure, unless someone has dissected one. I too would be interested to know where the "safe" zones and where the the ares to avoid cutting are on these. Anyone ever ask James T. about this? I would imagine that it also depends on the cutting method. Probably to much heat would kill the joy as well... I just don't want to be the pioneer in this area!

Don

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #2 – March 04, 2015, 07:53:11 am

On my 2000 the previous owner drilled a hole and shorted out the right section. I had to buy all three so I still have two in storage.

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #3 – March 04, 2015, 08:11:14 am

I cut mine and installed a flush mount. Never drive at night and it wasn't working anyhow. You'll need an assistant to hold the dash when you cut as it's pretty flimsy with the top open.On the monitor I installed, it was a tight fit so you have to be careful with your measurements and your cut. Grab that drill motor and saw and get at it!

Regarding buying replacement panels, I was talking with another member a couple of years ago and he told me that he bought the last ones available from Foretravel.
jor

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #4 – March 04, 2015, 09:34:48 am

if you search the forum on this topic, you will see a lot more failures than success's trying to do what you describe. Todays monitors are pretty thin, if you like the luminescent look, play it safe and surface mount (that is what MOT did when they replaced mine.)

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #5 – March 04, 2015, 11:56:33 am

I thought that they didn't have the electroluminescent dashes until 97'... Before that, regular discrete lamps were used to light the dash which looked almost the same. Could be wrong!

Edit: I see that the pictures were from your 99'. I get it now! It does look like there is a safe area that could be cut if you didn't overheat the panel. To do it right would require taking the dash out, and that is not an afternoon's project...
Don

Quote from: jor – March 04, 2015, 08:11:14 am

I cut mine and installed a flush mount. Never drive at night and it wasn't working anyhow. You'll need an assistant to hold the dash when you cut as it's pretty flimsy with the top open.On the monitor I installed, it was a tight fit so you have to be careful with your measurements and your cut. Grab that drill motor and saw and get at it!

Regarding buying replacement panels, I was talking with another member a couple of years ago and he told me that he bought the last ones available from Foretravel.
jor

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #6 – March 04, 2015, 02:02:29 pm

Why are you replacing the monitor?

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #7 – March 04, 2015, 08:34:01 pm

The image on the 17 year old CRT is of very poor quality and I also want to replace the back up camera and add a camera on the passenger side to help me see what's over there when moving into the right lane. Although I can see pretty well with my mirrors and always rely on my co-pilot's assistance, I believe that a properly positioned camera will add to my confidence when changing lanes. I might even add a camera to the driver's side. The rig is nearly 55 foot long with my car in tow and I want to be absolutely sure that the lane is free before moving over. I have experienced small fast vehicles move quickly into the right lane from behind after I have signaled my intent to move over and started to turn.

Gary

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #8 – March 04, 2015, 09:00:22 pm

With reference to earlier comments, I had to remove the right hand panel last spring to either repair or replace it. A thief (or thieves) broke into the coach (by breaking the window in the door) and severely damaged the panel while removing the radio/cd player. The panel was not difficult to remove but the replacement that I ordered from Foretravel was not an exact duplicate, so I sent the new part back to FT and straightened the original. Only I can tell that it had been damaged (because I know where to look). I will remove the panel if I decide to enlarge the opening for a new monitor.

The thief got away with nothing valuable. He broke the back off the TV when he pulled it from its mounts. He broke and left behind all of mounts on the Bose speakers when pulling them free. He took the Bose control unit, which is useless without the component that is located beneath the couch. He damaged the edge of the door before he decided to break the window and he damaged some of the woodwork above the drivers seat. He stole the bead spread, one of the two matching pillows, a throw rug, a 1500 watt electric heater, and a jar of peanut butter. I did most of the repair work because I did not trust any of the local RV shops. My insurance company reimbursed me for all of the replacement parts and my labor minus my deductible ($2500). The insurance check was for over $2,500.00. I secretly hope that the thief choked on the peanut butter.

PS: I now have an alarm system in the storage building.

Gary

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #9 – March 04, 2015, 09:39:25 pm

Gary,
I have a near new (less than one year use)
Javelina monitor if you decide to go that route.
Would be an easy change.
JD

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #10 – March 04, 2015, 09:56:22 pm

Quote

The rig is nearly 55 foot long with my car in tow and I want to be absolutely sure that the lane is free before moving over.

We drew a line across our rear view monitor. The line indicates the back of the toad. When I pass someone I check my side mirror and then glance at my monitor to make sure the passed vehicle is behind my line.

Also have another line that indicates three feet behind. I use it if I want to back up very close to something.
jor

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #11 – March 05, 2015, 09:18:13 am

fwiw! I installed both driver and curb side monitors on the 88. EXCELLENT safety check-and that was when I had good eyes. You'll wonder why not before.

The plan is to duplicate them on the u280

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #12 – March 05, 2015, 10:11:35 am

Quote

fwiw! I installed both driver and curb side monitors on the 88. E

How about a separate topic and some photos on this. Sounds like a nifty upgrade.
jor

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #13 – March 05, 2015, 11:13:44 am

my 97 has a side camera from new. were they standard?

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #14 – March 05, 2015, 04:29:48 pm

Jor, they are on Cheryl's computer.. bless her heart she couldnt remember the password before she dided and the facial recognition software.. wouldnt work cause she lost her hair, but it was neat.

Put a 10"rear with hitch view and wide view in the middle and right left 7" on the sides.. always on. Mounted themnso about 2" was below the dash, yes covering idiot lights and the 5" above.. no obstruction of vision..

Worked great

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Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

March 04, 2015, 01:32:44 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #1 – March 04, 2015, 01:41:06 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #2 – March 04, 2015, 07:53:11 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #3 – March 04, 2015, 08:11:14 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #4 – March 04, 2015, 09:34:48 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #5 – March 04, 2015, 11:56:33 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #6 – March 04, 2015, 02:02:29 pm

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #7 – March 04, 2015, 08:34:01 pm

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #8 – March 04, 2015, 09:00:22 pm

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #9 – March 04, 2015, 09:39:25 pm

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #10 – March 04, 2015, 09:56:22 pm

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #11 – March 05, 2015, 09:18:13 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #12 – March 05, 2015, 10:11:35 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #13 – March 05, 2015, 11:13:44 am

Re: Luminecent dash panels in my 1998 U320

Reply #14 – March 05, 2015, 04:29:48 pm

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