Information about video cameras in place of outside mirrors

[Christ]

I suggest that you mount it dead in the middle of the spoiler/ridge on top of your car.

If you can use fiberglass, you can mold it in fairly simply by starting with a foam block.

If you can't fiberglass, you could get a cheap, fake Hi-def antenna (shark fin?) and mount the camera in it, then stick it on.

I'm suggesting the roof. You won't hurt aero enough to matter.

[Eddles]

Giving me ideas now.... Maybe take off original aerial, replace with shark fin with camera inside and use an interior aerial....

Gotta find a replacement aerial that would be big enough for a camera to fit inside though...

[Christ]

Actually, I would suggest replacing the antenna, but it's not necessary unless you can't use fiberglass or bondo.

The roof line just aft of the antenna would be a perfect place for it. You should be able to mount it in such a way that you get a side view of most of the rear corner of the vehicle on both sides, with a 110* camera. You'll want a monitor capable of displaying in widescreen formats, cuz you won't want 110* above the car, most likely, so you'll adjust that part out of the image.

[Eddles]

Can't use fibreglass or bondo, unfortunately.

Sorry not fully understanding you again - do you mean just stick the camera on the car just behind the aerial base without putting the camera inside anything? Good idea, but problem with the camera hitting the existing aerial when the boot opens, as this picture shows. The black border is the window, so can't mount the camera on that securely. So, I think a replacement aerial would be the best option.

[Christ]

I see. You're going to have to remove that antenna, then.

The VG antenna (shark fin) is just a cover that goes over your existing antenna's stub, so the camera won't fit in it unless you remove the stub of the existing antenna.

Alternatively, you may be able to fit the antenna stub into the very front of the shark fin's housing, then mount the camera so that it protrudes from the end a slight amount.

Mounting the camera in the shark fin as high as it will cleanly fit will help you keep some of the view to the sides, as well.

[Eddles]

Yup exactly. I've just spotted this - this should be big enough to put the camera inside, though will look a bit silly on the car, but hey, who cares? I'm happy to remove the existing aerial completely - the rubber base has perished anyway, and is probably going to start leaking water in the car. Will need to figure out what exactly to use to stick it on the roof, I don't think silicone sealant is strong enough to hold that on at, say, 80mph.

[Christ]

No, it isn't. 3m double sided tape will be, though, just make sure you run a bead of clear silly cone around it to seal out water and dirt. You can likely find silicone in the same color as your car, or close to it. (gray is common)

[thatguitarguy]

120 degrees is wide. Probably more than both side mirrors together see.

There must be someplace inside where you could mount it to show through glass that doesn't get as wet or dirty. If your glass gets wet and dirty, a camera outside will get just as wet and dirty. I agree with just taping it on and moving it around to different places to find what's best.

The cameras on the buses I drove had small protective shrouds around them and were all placed high on the vehicle whether side view or rear view.

[Christ]

thatguitarguy -

It'll be 120* from the face of the camera, which, in my head, is mounted where the antenna is. It won't see the area adjacent to the rear doors, only just behind them. Shoulder checks will be necessary, and depending on laws (Check those, Eddles), a side mirror may still be legally required.

[Christ]

Eddles -

Check this link: new! Car Safety Rear View Monitor + Waterproof infrared camera

Same camera, but the monitor mounts on the rear view mirror. (Covers it up, I think.)

http://www.gooddeals18.com/product/P...Bluetooth.html This one has a plate-mounted camera, which might clear your roof line if you mounted it to the hatch's upper trim.