Removing built in TV in salon for "97 400DA

[HIRSCHHORN53]

The time has come to add digital converter boxes to make the old CRT TV's operate now that we are in the digital age. SeaRay has this wonderful design and build concept of constructing boats from the inside out, not always giving thought how to remove large objects for repair or replacement. (it's impossible to remove the refrig from cabin without cutting big hole in boat.)
I was able to work on the TV in the forward cabin since you can reach the holding screws by accessing them through the panel in the starboard closet. However the TV built-in over the refrigerator in the salon is another matter. I am able to remove the two hold down screws however the TV is still connect to the board. There is insufficient clearance to remove the TV from its placement. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove this TV without damaging the surrounding area. I have this feeling that I may have to actually remove the refrigerator and get into the TV from behind but not sure this will work either.

I'm considering attaching a digital converter box onto the incoming cable at the TV antenna box located inside the electrical panel. This would effectively control both TV's with one box but would not allow for individual viewing of the TV's on separate channels.

Any and all suggestion would be appreciated.

 

[GuitarsAndTikiBars]

Don't know if it's the same on your boat, but on ours, the Glomex access was in the galley to the right of the refrig, and there was an access panel in the cabinet under the sink to reach the wires. We thought we were going to have to pull the fridge, but didn't, but we installed a digital Glomex antenna, and bypassed the box.

We actually recently had an electrical problem and ended up having to pull the refrig which turned out to not be so difficult (took two men, and then a skinny chick - me - to climb in there to look at wires) but the TV could be accessed easily after pulling the fridge. It seems like a daunting task, but really wasn't.

Don't know if that helps.

 

[osd9]

Peter:

I posted pics in post #40 in this thread. Should be the same for your 400DA.

 

[steve mac]

The edge molding that runs around the top of the refrig comes up pretty easily. Take a putty knife and (carefully) pry the black molding up. It is held in with "christmas trees", which are little plastic clips. Pry the molding off and you will be able slide the TV out.

I did it last year and it seemed like it would be a pain in the %$%, but it wasn't.

 

[HIRSCHHORN53]

Not sure if your edge molding is same as on my year model. My molding is covered with head lining material. Does not appear this molding (approx 1.5" high) will come up without some damage.

I had to pull the refrig several years ago when it stopped working. (this was a huge pain. Couldn't remove unit as would not fit through salon door way. Had to just replace all components at a higher cost than new unit.) I may just trying pulling the refrig one more time and hope nothing stops working.

Thanks for you suggestion

 

[Skuza]

Just do this! I don't have a pic of the door I made for the empty space above the fridge. I changed the fridge panels over to aluminum for a new look and used the veneer from the freezer door to make a new door for the hole where the old TV was. Then I mounted a 32" to the front wall and it worked perfect. No converter box needed!
The edge mldg will come up. You should use a putty knife and carefully pry up on it. Be CAREFUL not to bend the gold edge moulding that is on the bottom. That gold trim is fastened to the moulding your removing and will get bent if you use a screwdriver. Use a putty knife to disperse some of the load when prying. It is held on by the christmas tree fastners and they hold GOOD. Also the silicone will come peeling off when you remove it. I don't know why they felt the need to caulk the seam.
I'll try and get some pics of the door I made. Looks factory.

 

[HIRSCHHORN53]

Just saw your reply along with you pics of the handy work you did. Looks great! I love the idea of the 32" LCD on the wall and bolting through into cabin closet. I may have to consider this. May have to give the a try. Would love to see the door you made to fill the space above old TV. Is it a functional door to utilize the space above the TV. I'm always looking for more place to hide "stuff".

 

[giangi]

I am in the process to change my TV's in my 1997 400 Sundancer. I also just removed the 2 screws in the front and it is impossible to remove the tv without removing other parts.
I know this thread is old but maybe somebody has found an easier way.
Thank you

 

[Boat Guy]

It's been a long time since I removed mine. I hope I remember correctly...

The TV is mounted to a wood base. The wood base is screwed in by the two screws in the front. If you remove the two screws the base will slide but only go as far as the trim molding around the cabinets. You need to carefully pry that up with a putty knife, or similar... Once the molding is off you can slide the base with the tv out.... You can then unscrew the base from the TV and put it back, if you want...