My buddy just bought the same Kenwood deck I got a couple weeks ago (DNX7100) and had the backup camera installed on his truck. It works very, very well. I am considering adding one to mine. With the top down, backing up is pretty simple. Not too back with the top up either, but I like the gimick factor.
So how are you guys that are mounting cameras in the license plate area routing the wire into the car?
I helped GB Vette do Yellohhh's backup camera and we mounted it in the licence plate and routed the wire thru the back panel of the car via a small hole.
Yes, I installed a Kenwood DNX 7100 head unit and used a backup camera I got off ebay for $54.00. Works great 120degree view day or night. I tried different locations, licence plate, lower bumper and finally installed just below the CORVETTE see pic which was the best coverage.
I did a search on every forum post with "camera" in the title. The usefulness wasn't conclusive from what I saw, but what I did find interesting was that a couple of owners put the camera in the front of the car, rather than the rear. The argument was that having a forward camera prevents hitting parking curbs.
For me, an ideal setup would place a camera in the front and another in the back. A simple switch in the drivers area would select between the two. Seems doable.
I'm still wondering if folks with cameras installed find them useful.
Funny you mention it, but we were just talking about this at work. I'm getting ready to buy the Kenwood and Crutchfield is throwing the camera in for free.
I'm going to mount it in the front bumper because I have NEVER backed up far enough to need one in the back. I did it just last night to prove it. I backed up the car until I thought I was close enough then went further. When I finally got out to see where I was I had a foot and a half left!
It would be very helpful in the front bumper though as I never get that right and I'm always on the close side. That is my plan.
Do you find the backup camera useful? Do you use it every day, or is it just a nifty accessory that, over time, gets infrequent use?
I have one on my '01 Vert. It's nice, works fine, but it's so wide angle you can't use it to get close to anything. Even when you're six inches from another car it looks like you're six feet. It is good to make sure you don't run over some kid or obstacle, though.
I got a deal on it when I installed my Avic Z2, but I wouldn't pay over $100 for it.
I have one on my '01 Vert. It's nice, works fine, but it's so wide angle you can't use it to get close to anything. Even when you're six inches from another car it looks like you're six feet. It is good to make sure you don't run over some kid or obstacle, though.
I got a deal on it when I installed my Avic Z2, but I wouldn't pay over $100 for it.
Mark, I am looking at the same system. Where did you mount the camera? Any pics? Thanks, Mark
Mark, I am looking at the same system. Where did you mount the camera? Any pics? Thanks, Mark
My cam is discreetly mounted just above and centered on the rear plate. A small hole with rubber grommet brings the wire into the car on the small flat horizontal space above the plate. Almost invisible.
Good luck!
(sorry for the lousy photo; it's raining hard here...)
Corvette Store
Has anyone done a backup camera install?
