"gcotterl" wrote
How can I mount a new flat-panel TV on the front of the cabinet of a
1980's-era TV (with a cathode-ray picture tube)? (I've already taken
the old TV out of the cabinet).

The old console is a good-looking piece of furniture which would
accomodate a new flat-panel TV better than holding a fake fireplace or
being converted to a minibar.

The old TV screen used to fit in a "hole" measuring 27" wide by 18"
tall but I don't plan on trying to "fit" the new flat-panel TV into
that hole

Instead, I'm thinking about mounting the new flat-panel TV to the
FRONT of the console. That area is 46" wide and 23" tall so it should
accomodate a decent-size flat-panel TV.

You can use a wall mount on the front and put the TV on that. Frankly, no
matter what you do it is pretty much going to look like a hack job. Only
way is to carefully cut out the front to recess the flat panel and put a
mount on the inside of the existing cabinet. It will still look like a hack
job though. Sometimes you just have to let go.