Purchased a camera/LCD for mirror deletion, need recs

[blackcivic96]

Hey all,
Been following for a while and have made much progress off your labors, so thanks!

I just purchased a 3.5" LCD [eBay# 110818388041] and wide angle camera [eBay# 190656429609] off eBay for a total cost of $41.72 shipped, hoping to delete my passenger mirror.

I plan to utilize the power from the power mirror (yes power!) that is already there and wire everything in and mount on the door.

My only question is recommendations on what to use to fill the hole where the mirror was? And possibly protecting the camera if wiring is exposed. I was thinking fiberglass, but I have no experience, plus it doesn't have to be pretty, just keep the water out and hold the camera in place. I am hoping not to modify the existing mirror, if it needs to go back on or I can't see well enough with the setup.

I have a decent amount of tools, so any recommendations are welcome

[blackcivic96]

I placed some images on my website, so you know what I am working with. They can be found here: davewigstone.com/?p=256

I also plan on doing a write-up/how-to (video) once I make a decision and find the time to do it, so any insight is welcome.

[COcyclist]

Have you seen Neil's video cameras? If not, this may be of some help.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...s-2969-17.html

[BenjaminT]

Trim something up the right shape, clean the surfaces, and use windshield urethane to glue it in. (3M Window Weld is a Godsend in my line of work.) Use gloves, rags, and lacquer thinner on for smoothing/cleaning. Just position it right the first time. You do not want to have to remove it again.


Also, I would imagine your power mirror circuits to be normally open.

[NeilBlanchard]

My current LCD screens are LED backlit, and they are a *lot* better than the first set I had:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post242809

[blackcivic96]

Have you seen Neil's video cameras? If not, this may be of some help.

I hadn't seen that post, thanks, I'll check it out.

Trim something up the right shape, clean the surfaces, and use windshield urethane to glue it in. (3M Window Weld is a Godsend in my line of work.) Use gloves, rags, and lacquer thinner on for smoothing/cleaning. Just position it right the first time. You do not want to have to remove it again.

I started making a template last night (as my internet was down, hence the delayed reply). But I was thinking of actually using bolts and bolt them in. Then possibly using a piece of plastic to "bend" around the cam, I think the windshield urethane may come in handy there.

Also, I would imagine your power mirror circuits to be normally open.

Yeah I was thinking about that last night, they probably are, so if I must I'll have to run a 12V through my door.

My current LCD screens are LED backlit, and they are a *lot* better than the first set I had:

Wow your setup is nice, I only glanced at it but will definitely spend some time going through the posts on that thread this AM.

I live by the saying you get what you pay for, so I am not expecting much out of the initial purchase, but if it does what's expected (for a month) I'll be happy and willing to buy a higher quality setup, maybe $60

[blackcivic96]

OK two three things accomplished in 24 hours!

A. Installed 20/10/70 lower air dam! You can also kinda see the upper dam block.

Another angle:

[blackcivic96]

B. Camera came (not an accomplishment, more of an event), super happy with the wiring and mounting setup, so I went ahead and located some coroplast, and made a block for the passenger mirror, see C.


C. Cut, painted, and installed the coroplast filler for the passenger camera (tape will come off once silicone firms up.


Once the screen comes I will determine the best location for the camera install, but at this point the most likely location is the mirror, but front right fender is a possibility as well... We'll see.

Also read all of Neil's thread. WOW. 1 word -determined- I got some great ideas. Cut and painted some caps for the holes in my front hubcaps, and started forming a template for rear wheel areas (for lack of a better term at this time~ it's late)

[blackcivic96]

Also one more thing, I have an aftermarket headlights and front bumper, so the seams aren't exactly tight. So while at Menards I saw something that may work, flex PVC. Seen below. The size purchased will depend on the gaps that are being filled, but I picked up 1/2" OD, cost ~$2.00 for 10'.


And here's the gap to be filled, upper left of the headlight.


Now the nice thing about this PVC, is that is it is quite mailable and can be manipulated to fit the gap.


Nice, clean and cheap!

Now if your car isn't black like mine and you are worried about the color, pick up the clear type, you won't see it as much.

[blackcivic96]

OK guys, finally got the chance to install the setup I purchased! And for your viewing pleasure a couple road tests! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPzOZvDEP4E

-Dave