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I agree. I couldn't fathom my dash being torn apart to the extent needed to do such a thing. I'd be nervous as heck.
However, if a front camera by itself would suffice, there is another way. After copying what another LC owner has done, I installed a front camera (DIY) for $200. Works great to prevent scraping the front of the car against the curb and other obstacles. I'd love to have the 360 overhead view, but this is a strong 2nd place substitute.
Can you share details on the front camera? I installed one on my GSF and it saved me countless times.
Can you share details on the front camera? I installed one on my GSF and it saved me countless times.
The one I installed is 'wireless' in that the camera does not require a wired connection to the screen, making the install much easier. The screen install is a snap. I have it fastened to the underside of the flip-up arm rest. The power port is right there. Just plug it in. Screen, done. By placing the screen there, it is completely out of view until needed. Flip up the arm rest, get the car positioned correctly, put down the armrest. Done. I placed the camera low on the front grill - just above the lip, fastened with two black nylon ties. The most difficult part of the install is getting power to the camera - and it is not all that difficult. I merely replicated the work that another LC owner had done.
The one I installed is 'wireless' in that the camera does not require a wired connection to the screen, making the install much easier. The screen install is a snap. I have it fastened to the underside of the flip-up arm rest. The power port is right there. Just plug it in. Screen, done. By placing the screen there, it is completely out of view until needed. Flip up the arm rest, get the car positioned correctly, put down the armrest. Done. I placed the camera low on the front grill - just above the lip, fastened with two black nylon ties. The most difficult part of the install is getting power to the camera - and it is not all that difficult. I merely replicated the work that another LC owner had done.
Well, this is not a 360 solution but Woodturner gave me an idea for a $40 front camera solution. I picked up a 12v DC wifi camera on amzn and installed it in the front grill. You open the app on the phone (Hey siri open JoyTrip) and you can see the front parking camera.
I picked up a 12v DC wifi camera on amzn and installed it in the front grill.
My iPhone is usually in my pocket as I utilize wireless Apple Car Play so the phone solution would not be ideal for me but I love the tiny camera footprint. You have me wondering now if I might be able to do something similar (mount the camera BEHIND the grill). How did you get sufficient access behind the grill? Did you remove the bottom panels on the front of the car? Also, how is the camera fastened to the grill?
One more thought that I just started playing with in the last few days: The ideal angle for such a camera would be perpendicular to the road - pointing straight downward as a drone shot would do. This would provide an even better idea of the proximity of the car to the obstacle to be avoided. With this in mind, I moved my camera up slightly from its original position. As it sits now, it is mounted on the underside of the grill's curve, maximizing the camera's downward angle. The camera that I am utilizing blends in better there as it does not contrast with the silver of the grill's lower lip while it provides an angle that is closer to the perpendicular ideal. I thought I was done with the placement of the camera, but seeing what you have done, this might be more aptly described as a work in progress.
Using the iPhone does not work for me, but that is a super clean install.
I wonder how much it would approximately cost to have a professional shop install a front cam and have it work through the factory screen. Any idea?
They charged me 2,000$.
Other place charge me 800$, but I don feel very comfortable to let them do my car. The place charged me 2000$, they did all the highend exotic cars you can name of.
It can be installed to activate two ways, either by pushing a dash mounted button or to automatically activate at slow speed and also with the push of a button. I have the automatic set up. It works just like a factory installed unit. Why Lexus didn't install this at the factory is a mystery to me Works GREAT
Works GREAT