Radio and Reverse/Backup Camera Display

Anyone got suggestions for replacing the original single-DIN radio with a more modern unit which could also be used for a reversing camera display?
I'm asking for two reasons. First, the angle or slope of the gear surround console means that it's virtually impossible in any case to clearly see the display panel on a period radio. So for me, even the standard radio installation is far from satisfactory.
Second, I have installed a reverse camera with a 5 inch display mounted just forward (on the windscreen side) of the instrument binnacle. It works fine, but the location of the displayy is a bit clunky, and very obviously not original. My original intention was to make a leather covered cowl for this display. That's just about possible without unduly obscuring the view over the hood. But this week I was refinishing my gear surround console and as I dismantled it, the obvious thought occurred- why not fit one of the single DIN flip-out radio/monitor units, and use this for the reverse/backup display?
I have looked over the specs for available units, which left me with two unanswered queries. First, I was not able to locate one with a motorised flip-out mechanism which could be triggered by the reverse light signal. And second, I could not figure out with the manually eject mechanism if it would be possible to limit the angle of the display after it "ejects" from the body. Most of the units I have looked at seem to flip up about 100 degrees which would be perfect for a horizontal radio slot, but would tilt the display too far back if mounted on our sloping console.

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome!

 

A double-DIN screen would not really help, because it would also be at a very shallow angle, and therefore not properly visible from the driving seat. And besides, I have just spent a ridiculous amount of time refurbishing my console (it had been covered with leather for some reason by a previous owner. I had to remove the leather, and worse, the adhesive, and then refinish the wood veneer). It looks great now, and I would prefer to keep it in the original configuration, and not butcher the console.
I agree that I could mount a screen to one side of the steering wheel or instrument pod if I can't find or make a suitable flip out, or slide out screen.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I just reinstalled the console today and it was immediately obvious that a flip-out screen won't work if it is installed in a standard radio cage (because it will hit the gear lever in R or P position as it slides out). I havn't ruled out modifying a cage to fit vertically so that the screen simply slides straight up without any need for the "flip" motion.
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The pic shows the driver's eye view of the existing 5" screen mounted behind the instrument pod. This fits without the need for any modification to the trim, and it doesn't obstruct the view of the road ahead. I was contemplating forming a leather covered mini-binnacle to make it look a bit more civilised, and more like it was always intended to be there! This can be done fairly easily also without any modification to the existing dash trim.
I'm reluctant to go the clip-on rear view mirror route because of authenticity, but I gotta admit my current installation is far from authentic. I will give more thought to the idea of modifying the radio cage so that the screen would rise vertically, because if that worked the car would look entirely original with the screen withdrawn.
Still thinking it through!

 

So here's my solution (Mark 1 version!) to the location for the screen for the rear view camera. I could not locate anything suitable and available off-the-shelf , so I made up a customised unit to fit in the standard radio slot. The screen is a readily available 5 inch diagonal unit costing less than $20. It is mounted on two miniature linear actuators, each having 100mm stroke and a speed of 33mm/sec., and working in parallel. A two pole 2 way (changeover contacts) relay triggered by the reverse signal controls the in/out movement. The assembly is mounted in a cage similar to the standard DIN radio cage, but 32mm wide as compared with the standard 52mm width. (Because the cage is mounted vertically, the X-axis or horizontal axis width is reduced to just over 34mm).
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If I was doing this again, I would use shorter stroke actuators (80mm would be ideal) because this would allow me to tilt rhe cage backwards (away from the shift lever) by a few degrees more. As Raemin pointed out there is not much clearance between the shift lever in Park position and the raised screen. I would also consider a faster actuator stroke- 3 seconds feels like an age when manoeuvring into a parking space!

 

Yes, agreed- that was the original intention but I haven't worked out a way to do it neatly. The stainless steel covers are a bit in-your-face and obtrusive. If I had used 80mm stroke actuators the screen would be below the console level when retracted, and there would be scope for doing as you suggest. However a full size radio faceplate would look a bit crazy on top of the LCD screen when deployed upward. Still considering whether to rework it into the Mark 2 version.

 

Yep, I can't argue with the logic that says that if all you want is to be able to see the rear view camera output, then a replacement rear view mirror with built in monitor is the most practical solution, and would work very well. Likewise, if an off-the-shelf flip out display would fit, that would be logical also.

But hey- what's logic got to do with it? If I was being logical or practical I probably would never have bought this car in the first instance!

Here's a few reasons for having a go at installing a practical but unobtrusive rear view monitor:
First, the original radio installation is close to unusable for a little old guy like me. I could never read the display properly from the driving seat due to the angle of the console. I pushed buttons at random and hoped for the right result. So for me, the radio was next to useless and is something to store away someplace so that I can give it to the new owner if or when I eventually sell the car. So that leaves me with the options of either leaving the original radio in situ, or alternatively using the space for something more interesting and useful. I had already installed a rear view monitor on the dashboard, and I didn't like the unoriginal look, so that prompted this work I've just described above. (I'm now in the process of installing a bluetooth amplifier system to drive the original speakers.)

Second, I want to keep the car as original as possible. I've owned it for close on 9 years now, and so far all improvements I've done (for example fitting window relays) are completely invisible. I did replace, as another example, the ammeter with a non standard voltmeter but it fits into the original instrument and doesn't stand out. The thought of a (relatively) bulky replacement or clip-on mirror just bothers me.

And thirdly, but probably the most important from my personal perspective - I spend far more time fidling around with the car than I do actually driving it. That's what I enjoy the most. The crazy number of hours spent working on this adaptation will make no sense to lots of people. Even less so the further hours I will spend making it less obtrusive. But maybe there are one or two more nutcases like myself who may find it interesting.

Thanks for all the comments!

 

Hey Sam,
Tried the booster seat.
Now my lil' legs won't reach the pedals.
Life sucks.

Pat