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Old 10-05-2019, 11:35 AM   #1
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Wire Run 5.0TA

I need to run some wire from the distribution panel to the tank monitor system. I understand how to remove the vinyl corner panel. I need to gain access to the rear area in the overhead storage compartment above the passenger side dinette bench. There is a vertical panel that blocks the very back of that cabinet area. I'm going to have to remove that panel and don't want to destroy it. Is that possible? Thanks jn
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Old 10-05-2019, 12:27 PM   #2
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I just drilled big holes at the front/top and fed wires through. Can't see them unless really trying hard.
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Old 10-05-2019, 01:19 PM   #3
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I just drilled big holes at the front/top and fed wires through. Can't see them unless really trying hard.
Thanks Jim If I can't remove that panel without destroying it drilling a much bigger hole appears to be the best option
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Old 10-05-2019, 02:21 PM   #4
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In the "old" days you could remove panels like that quite easily without destroying them. All it took was a little wiggling and maybe getting a small flat bar in behind and working the panel free. Usually they were held on by very small staples and a few dabs of glue.

But in removing a cupboard back panel recently I ended up destroying it because now they appear to be using a construction adhesive along the edges. You can see it in the photos.

So, give it a few gentle test wiggles but if you can't start getting a corner free more or less easily you do stand a chance of tearing it.

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Old 10-05-2019, 02:48 PM   #5
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In the "old" days you could remove panels like that quite easily without destroying them. All it took was a little wiggling and maybe getting a small flat bar in behind and working the panel free. Usually they were held on by very small staples and a few dabs of glue.

But in removing a cupboard back panel recently I ended up destroying it because now they appear to be using a construction adhesive along the edges. You can see it in the photos.

So, give it a few gentle test wiggles but if you can't start getting a corner free more or less easily you do stand a chance of tearing it.

Ron
Thanks Ron Did some "test wiggles" and it ain't wiggling I'll probably do what Jim suggested and use a hole saw to cut a hole large enough for my purposes
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Old 10-05-2019, 06:51 PM   #6
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I've done that for years on boats. I usually make up some sort of cover for it. Then it's just like an access panel for something. Pretty innocuous and after the first time you see you probably don't even notice it again.

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Old 10-05-2019, 06:56 PM   #7
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I've done that for years on boats. I usually make up some sort of cover for it. Then it's just like an access panel for something. Pretty innocuous and after the first time you see you probably don't even notice it again.

Ron
Thanks I like that access cover idea. I think a 2 or 3 inch hole would allow me to fish the cable and that shouldn't be hard to cover.
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Old 10-05-2019, 08:03 PM   #8
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Could use solid rubber grommets too, would need to know the plywood thickness to order.
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Old 10-05-2019, 08:31 PM   #9
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That's not a bad idea either. That paneling only appears to be about 3/16 inch thick. If I needed to fish another wire just pop the grommet

Just checked Amazon "Flush mounted hole plugs"
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Old 10-05-2019, 08:39 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Ron in BC View Post
In the "old" days you could remove panels like that quite easily without destroying them. All it took was a little wiggling and maybe getting a small flat bar in behind and working the panel free. Usually they were held on by very small staples and a few dabs of glue.

But in removing a cupboard back panel recently I ended up destroying it because now they appear to be using a construction adhesive along the edges. You can see it in the photos.
Completely agree. With the mods I’ve done on the 2010 19 the panels typically popped right off. On the 2019 21 that I recently worked on for another forum member the panels were stapled and glued. I would say it is near impossible to get one off without breaking the panel.
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Old 10-05-2019, 08:48 PM   #11
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When I got in there with the flashlight and did my "test wiggles" I saw what appeared to be staple indentations. Staples alone I think I could manage but if it's glued, as thin as the paneling is, cutting an access hole makes the most sense. I have three trips scheduled over the next 3-4 weeks then I have 4 weeks open for this project.
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Old 10-05-2019, 11:18 PM   #12
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... If I can't remove that panel without destroying it drilling a much bigger hole appears to be the best option
If you end up drilling the hole(s), cable grommets of various materials and styles are available to finish the hole, and block it to the extent that you chose.
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