2018 179 questions

If you are handy, you can install a shelf yourself. I did. Just be careful to use anchors/screws less than 1" in length. Crown Bolt LLC Hollow Wall Anchors, #6-32 x 1" #00469, found at Home Depot, work well. You will need to remove the inside panels of the upper cabinet in order to mount the shelf (use the frame to support it). Then split the panel for the side that backs up the gauges and switches to cover the side. While it is open, you can use the opportunity to add a voltmeter and momentary switch so you can track battery condition better.

I am considering whether to change out the antenna myself. If so, I would make an opening to be able to reach the base to rotate it. It isn't a huge deal as we don't watch a lot anyway.

As for the panel, use some of the same anchors I mentioned above to put into the frame. Then the panel will have better support than just the screws into the frame. The anchors are much stronger than the aluminum frame alone. You may need some longer machine screws to allow for the thickness of the panel. You could use heavier anchors with longer screws. Just drill the larger hole for the anchor through the front of the frame and a smaller hole the size of the screw though the back so you don't weaken the frame too much. Some people have put piano hinges on the flap. I may do that one of these days if I can figure out how to make it double-hinged.