98 replies to this topic

[Graeme Lambert]

So, with my Coupe back conversion planned one thing I'm aware of is that you lose rearward visibility (just like the Exige) and that's never been something I've been that keen on - even before someone drove into the back of me (I understand that even when seeing out the back you can't alway avoid an accident, as I proved).

 

With that in mind I reckon I have two choices; one a periscope style rear view mirror in the cabin just like the Isdera Impersonator

 

 

 

Or I could be far more sensible (And aerodynamic) and install a rear view camera system. Idea would be camera lense somewhere on the rear (As discrete as possibe, was thinking hidden within numberplate maybe but worried about head from the exhaust) and a monitor/screen small enough to be mounted in place of the standard rear view mirror. It would have to be permanently on, rather than just when reversing like a reverse camera, and mirror the image for it to work.

 

Question is, has anyone done this before, or do they have any experience of it etc? I know you can get kits for motorhomes etc without rear windows so I know it's possible, and not that expensive, but any tips or foresight woulkd be welcomed.

 

G

[Graeme Lambert]

 

Just for fun

[techieboy]

Don't mount the camera at the back of the car. Whether or not exhaust heat will do it any good, the sh*t that car sucks up from the road due to the low pressure will soon obscure the lens. High up where the brakelight would go and airflow will dry/clear it is the only way, if you insist on one. Still think it's pointless though. It won't show anything you can't see in the door mirrors and will be a mass of white light come night time with a car behind you.

[slindborg]

no harm in it, AML use them all the time, but only in reverse.

[Graeme Lambert]

Don't mount the camera at the back of the car. Whether or not exhaust heat will do it any good, the sh*t that car sucks up from the road due to the low pressure will soon obscure the lens. High up where the brakelight would go and airflow will dry/clear it is the only way, if you insist on one. Still think it's pointless though. It won't show anything you can't see in the door mirrors and will be a mass of white light come night time with a car behind you.

 

Think night vision sorts the blinding white light thing - and I guess I could always turn the screen off if it was that much of a problem.

 

Remember I'm being difficult and sticking with my APR racing mirrors, which possibly don't show as much as the OEM set up.

 

G

[slindborg]

worth noting though, you only need two rear mirrors and one HAS to be the drivers wing/door...I ran just wing mirrors for years through many MOT's and enjoyed the better view out the windscreen.

[badgerade]

Someone at one of the Bruntingthorpe days had a rear view camera.  PaulusH maybe :-s

[Graeme Lambert]

no harm in it, AML use them all the time, but only in reverse.

 

Ah yes, have used the Aston ones before - can you nick me one please

 

worth noting though, you only need two rear mirrors and one HAS to be the drivers wing/door...I ran just wing mirrors for years through many MOT's and enjoyed the better view out the windscreen.

 

Yup, I know and if I can't find a solution that balances my budget and desire for pleasing aesthetics both inside and out that's what I'll do.

 

G

[Graeme Lambert]

Someone at one of the Bruntingthorpe days had a rear view camera.  PaulusH maybe :-s

 

Did he just have it for reversing?

 

Hopefully he'll see this thread, otherwise I'll be PM'ing him.

 

G

[slindborg]

 

no harm in it, AML use them all the time, but only in reverse.

 

Ah yes, have used the Aston ones before - can you nick me one please

 

 

 

No as I now p*ss about with trains

[Graeme Lambert]

Trains? Where's my ignore list...

[slindborg]

Trains? Where's my ignore list...

 

 

youre already on mine

[Graeme Lambert]

Trains? Where's my ignore list...

    youre already on mine

Did someone say something?

[Mangham54]

Lexus IS camera could be used/bought for peanuts... The one on my old mans Lexus is very good.

 

I recall looking at rear view mirror screens a while back... think there were some pretty good ones for about £100.

 

Either that, or consider a wireless camera that will connect to an iPod Touch and mount that on the screen / wherever. 

[techieboy]

If you got a reverse camera kit and short the connection that would normally go to the reverse switch that would mean it runs permanently. But, not sure you'd really want of those as the lenses tend to be a bit too fisheye like, which would be far from ideal as a replacement for a rear view mirror and might give some depth perception problems. You'd probably be better off with a bullet camera with a max of 120° FOV. Buy a lens protector for something like a Countour HD or similar. Fit that flush (somewhere high up) on your coupe cover. Then behind that mount your camera and adjust for the FOV you need. If the cover gets scratched/bollocksed for any reason, it can be replaced. Likewise, if when you decide to upgrade the camera, it should be a simple case of mounting it behind the existing lens protector.

[pezley]

Fit a periscope in the roof, much better.

[slindborg]

If you got a reverse camera kit and short the connection that would normally go to the reverse switch that would mean it runs permanently. But, not sure you'd really want of those as the lenses tend to be a bit too fisheye like, which would be far from ideal as a replacement for a rear view mirror and might give some depth perception problems. You'd probably be better off with a bullet camera with a max of 120° FOV. Buy a lens protector for something like a Countour HD or similar. Fit that flush (somewhere high up) on your coupe cover. Then behind that mount your camera and adjust for the FOV you need. If the cover gets scratched/bollocksed for any reason, it can be replaced. Likewise, if when you decide to upgrade the camera, it should be a simple case of mounting it behind the existing lens protector.

 

 

hactually thats a good point, fish eye is 'fine' for low speed reversing but for looking back as a rear view mirrors type thing its pretty pants.

I'd not go wireless either.

[Paulus H]

Yes I have rear view camera. It is mega useful. It is on all the time.

 

Mine is almost a replacement for rear view mirror. It works really well even at night as long as there are street lights. On dark roads it is rubbish, just shows either deep blue background or dazzling lights. 

 

I bought it mainly for reversing but also use it as an extra check before moving from a slip road to the main carriageway of a bypass or motorway.

 

Although mine is fitted in the recess where the rear number plate is found, most of the time it stays clear enough to use even in the rain. The caveat is that very occasionally the mix of driving results in it getting too dirty to use.

 

Kind regards, Paul

[leevx2.2]

Good call Mr G I am after the same I thought it would be ok with no rear mirror but I do miss it , so get looking and buy two ;-)

[mbes2]

Cheaper option idea....

 

 

 

Ebay is normally a good place to give ideas

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...cat=0&_from=R40

 

 

Edited by mbes2, 07 February 2014 - 06:09 PM.