So I want to install a backup camera in my newly acquired (used) Transit. First I thought of going with this one because it seemed like the easiest to install:
However, I think it might look kinda silly sticking up from the light way up high like a uni-corn. Anyone has one of these installed? How do they like it? RVS sells the real version, the above link seems like a cheaper Chinese version?
Anyway I bought this camera and it seems pretty nice (metal enclosure and small):
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Esky-Viewing-One-Button-Control-Aluminum/dp/B013OLWDW4/ref=sr_1_6?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1453869649&[/ame]
sr=1-6&keywords=esky+backup+camera
Was planning to mount it under the middle brake light on a custom bracket that is less obnoxious looking. How does one pop off the third brake lights' lens in a non destructive manner?
I have many questions. Is there a safe way to remove the large plastic rivets holding the headliner up? I tried tugging on a few of them and they didn't want to budge - was afraid to bust one. I'd like to run the camera wire under the headliner to the front shelf up above the front and then down to the rear view mirror where I want to put a 7" screen above the mirror. Any advice I can get about running the wire down the best path, removing headliners & panels, and any other tips would be greatly appreciated.
The frist camera you posted doesn't stick up. It sticks out towards the back and points down. You'd never notice it.
To get the plastic panel plugs out you have to get either a removal tool which is a flat bar with a slot or use your fingers on either side and pull with a quick snapping motion. . They pop right out but of you grab too far away they will come loose from the glue that holds their housing to the headliner. Gotta make it quick like snatching a bandaid.
Hmmm... I see about the camera. I've looked all over the net and can't find a pic of that brake light camera installed on a transit. Sure would like to see what that set up looks like on the van.
Thanks for the tip for the plastic removal tool - sounds like I need to make one.
Ok, cool -I'll give that a try tomorrow. I tried with just my fingers the other day and could see it moving a little but was thinking that something might snap so I figured I'd better ask around...
Made a bit of progress. Was finally able to get the rear A/C controls / map light console off the shelf. Took me a while to figure out how to get it off - the key was to press pretty hard on the snap hooks as shown in the pic. You have to do this through the openings once you remove the two cubby thingies.
I also bought a $13 rear view mirror at Pep Boys and used its ball & socket arm to mount my screen - this works really well - I like that you can position the screen any which way and there's no need to tighten any knobs to keep it there. Made a steel bracket that I attached directly to the body with some sheet metal screws - pretty solid.
Also finally pulled out one of the plastic rivets that hold the headliners on. Man what a pain those are - they don't snap right out at all and require lots of force to pull out. You gotta yank on them and pull and pull - they're almost 2" long -and seem to get ruined after they are pulled out - see pic. I'm taking the van to the dealer Monday for the "water in the air filter" recall so maybe they can sell me some of those plastic rivets...
Planing on running the video cable under the headliners - if anyone has done this please give me any advice.
Finally, the tail light lens still won't budge. I tried prying it off with plastic prying tools but seems like it would rather break than come out - so I stopped. Has anyone really done this? There's also some kind of a foam or rubber gasket under the lens that is easily damaged when prying on the lens...
Finally, the tail light lens still won't budge. I tried prying it off with plastic prying tools but seems like it would rather break than come out - so I stopped. Has anyone really done this? There's also some kind of a foam or rubber gasket under the lens that is easily damaged when prying on the lens...
I took mine out when I put my rear camera on-
however I released the clips from inside.
I have a van so that area is accessible when the wiring chase cover is popped off.
Don't know how hard that is to get to the inside on a wagon...
IF you break the brake light- it is only about $20, unlike the little reflectors down in the bumper that are $50- go figure.
Test-fitted the screen and looks decent -the 7" screen doesn't seem very obstructive and I can still use the standard rear view mirror. Now the hard task of running the video cable and tapping tail lights for reverse power...
Thanks unclebob, I thought that space above the mirror was kinda begging for something...
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