Diary of a Madmodder

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   TV Mount Mod: "fwunder" gets the credit for inspiring this mod. I bought the same mount he used, on Amazon it is only $12.99 (link below). It worked perfectly for the TV's and locations like both of ours.
http://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Articulating-Monitor-Extension-ML12BCE5/dp/B003O1UYHG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

1) Remove everything, including cables. But do not cut off the special screw mount zip ties.
2) Observe existing bolt pattern on walls. When locating the new mount, stay within the bolt pattern boundary so that you know the screws will be going into the stud behind the paneling.
3) Mark new holes. I was able to move the axis of the new mount approx 1.5" to the right, and more importantly 1" lower...the TV in my 171 is mounted way too high IMHO.
4) The screws that come with the mount are far too large, and the old screws are too small because the new mount only allows two screws. I got two medium sized screws that I happened to find in my random hardware junk box. I strongly advise getting some new screws for this project.
5) Pre-drill holes for the screws.
6) Attach new mount to the wall. Make sure the bracket is plumb when tightening.
7) Attach TV to mount.
8) Re-attach cables to TV, and "arm" of the mount. Note how I secured the cable conduit to the underside of the arm so it doesn't get jammed between the arm and wall - letting it sit as flat as possible. You could alternatively mount it to the top side of the arm.
9) Re-attach the screw zip-ties to the wall. Re-attach all cables to the wall outlets.

The mod worked perfectly and took about 90 minutes. Between the downward angle range of the new mount, and the fact I was able to move the mount 1" lower, it was absolutely perfect for viewing the TV form the Lava Lounge (aka the dinette we leave permanently as a bed). My "reward" for my hard work, was getting to test the A/V system by watching The Notebook...yay? Bonus points for knowing what I also mounted, on the upper right side of the wall.