Dear friends. I recently almost clipped a bike in my blind spot on TWO separate occasions, I believe I need to invest on a backup camera but I don't even know where to start.

I have read the threads about Naviks, but the installation seems tedious. I have also seen some cameras on amazon and eBay, but I don't know how to choose.

Please comment and suggestions are very much appreciated!

 

Just curious how a back up cam which is usually located at the rear end of the car will help you check your blind spot which is usually thought of as somewhere around the right or left rear quadrant and off to the side of the car ?

 

The backup camera is great when you are backing up, but are worthless during normal driving, or to eliminate your blind spot. I recommend a set of small spot mirrors (the self-adhesive type - you can find all shapes & sizes at most auto stores). The work well...just a quick glance is all it takes to make sure nothing is there...

They've saved my butt many times . They are only a few bucks and once you start using them, you'll never look back. Many new cars come with them as standard now (built into the mirrors). I can't drive without them anymore.

 

Interesting that you would say that they are worthless during normal driving. When installed correctly they are only activated by putting the car in reverse. They are not met for normal driving hence the name backup camera.

As far as blind spots? Last month I left a tool box sitting behind the car, got into it the next day and subsequently backed over it. The tools didn’t care but the box was toast. That certainly was a blind spot and prompted me to install a backup camera. No more blind spot.

I personally find poor visibility when backing up my SC430. The rump is high and the best blind spot mirrors you can buy are not going to let you see something immediately behind the rear end. Now that I installed the backup camera my confidence level is 100% better and now I use both mirrors and camera to make sure I’m not going to hit something.

 

your two weeks late otherwise the navtool was on sale for $200 on there website :/

 

So Watson, what system did you install and how difficult was it? I'm thinking about installing a system that replaces the mirror. I'll make the connection from the trunk wireless so I can avoid running wires to the front.

Thanks in advance,

Dave

 

NorCal, if you ONLY want a camera there's no need to run any cables to the front. All your connections can be made in the trunk and behind the license plate. If you decide to do the rearview mirror type, then you MUST run cables, which could be tough since it's a drop top with motorized parts at the head visors. If you want the back up camera to show on the in dash screen, all you need is a integration device (NavTool/NavIKS) and then the actual camera. It will automatically show the area behind the car as soon as you put the car in REVERSE. I went with NAVIKS via Ebay and the guys at NAVIKS incredibly helpful. NAVIKS was also cheaper then NavTool. I also used a license plate frame camera from Walmart. I'm incredibly satisfied with my modification.

 

Watson,

I started installing a camera last night. I'll be emailing you also. I'm interested in how you DIY'd it before I start making holes.

In my wife's CX9 I find the camera very useful when maneuvering into the tight parking spots in Southern California. Great for tight parallel parking at the beach too.

Best regards,
Dan

 

Dan:

I just sent you the document. If you did not get it let me know.

Lee

 

I just sent you my install document. You can get an idea looking thru it.

I am almost 70 and did it over a two day period. Total was probably 4-5 hours and the only difficulty is accessing the 12v accessory wire. I suggest you use the backup light as the reverse input.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Lee

 

I missed it also but called and they let me have it for the sales price. Never hurts to call.

 

Lee,

Yes the Word document came through email fine. I did make sure it opened, but I'll be unable to review it until tonight.

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your rapid reply.

Best regards,
Dan

 

One of the forum members had trouble with the document formatting and suggested posting a PDF version. It appears that the PDF file can be uploaded without any errors so I am posting it for anyone to use that is considering installing a backup camera in their SC430.

Hope you find this useful.

 

Fantastic DIY Lee.

I have no intention of fitting a back up camera at the moment, but I may one day.
Probably the best DIY I have seen, thanks for your time putting it together.

Saved the PDF for a rainy day.

Cheers
Steve