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Power and cameras to rearview mirror?

Discussion in 'California(Portofino)/Roma(Amalfi)' started by Beach Boy, May 28, 2022.

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  1. Beach Boy

    Beach Boy Rookie

    Apr 1, 2021
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    #1 Beach Boy, May 28, 2022
    Question for those with experience.
    My 2010 has no rear camera. I would also like to add a discrete dash cam.
    I found something that will provide a reverse cam to the rear view mirror, which also has a built in dash cam.
    But what is the easiest way to get power and camera feeds to the mirror? Is the A pillar and windshield surround hard to remove (and more importantly replace), or am I looking at a nightmare of brittle plastic clips and dodgy leather finish?

    Is there a suggestion as to power source (switched to ignition) that will not cause electrical issues with the computers?

    And is there a simple route for the wire from rear (license area) to dash region?

    Or has all of this been tried and found to be a disaster in the making?

    Thanks for any advice that you can provide!
     
  2. bb2thdr

    bb2thdr Formula Junior

    Dec 23, 2021
    336
    Full Name:
    Scott Bialik
    #2 bb2thdr, May 29, 2022
    The easiest access to power is from the lights above the mirror. Read the manual about changing the bulbs, that tells you how to open that area up. From there if you have a volt meter you can pull power from one of the wires. I forget which one. If you don't want to do that you can then thread a wire to under the rubber that is above the windshield then down the A pillar to under the dash and then to a fuse box. However tapping off the overhead bulbs wire is easier.
     
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  3. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
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    Mar 10, 2011
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    Walt Kimball
    #3 Redneck Slim, May 29, 2022
    invisicord.com makes harnesses for tapping into those overhead wires without cutting or splicing. They are for various devices including dashcams. They are available with inline fuses. I use them for super-clean installations of radar detectors.
     
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  4. Beach Boy

    Beach Boy Rookie

    Apr 1, 2021
    27
    #4 Beach Boy, May 29, 2022
    Thanks for the tips, guys!
    Will look into all of that.
     
  5. Redneck Slim

    Redneck Slim Formula 3
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    Walt Kimball
    #5 Redneck Slim, May 29, 2022
    There are plenty of kits that don't require any wiring from the rear license plate camera to the front. A friend had one installed on his car and then easily transferred to his next car.
     
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  6. Beach Boy

    Beach Boy Rookie

    Apr 1, 2021
    27
    #6 Beach Boy, May 29, 2022
    Thanks.
    Yes, I have seen those as well.
    Actually have one on a car, although I’m not thrilled with it. And I definitely want to use a rear-view mirror style monitor rather than adding another display. Found the threads about integrating into the OEM head unit, too, but that’s too much $ for me, especially as it only addresses the rear view camera and not the recording and dash cam.

    Problem with the Cali seems to be power (and signal wire if used) to the rear camera. Because of the way the boot opens in both directions, one has to Install the wire in such a fashion that it allows both actions. Assuming the camera is installed in the license plate frame, which makes that mounting simple, the wire (regardless if you want to tap the reverse light or any ignition-on 12V source for streaming / recording) has to come from the chassis onto the boot lid. The OEM camera in the rear bumper is a much tidier solution, but not sure I want to drill the bumper cover. Putting it lower (on the diffuser) is probably too low to be of much use.

    Another option is on the rear deck inside the cabin, but it doesn’t really give much of a rear view (for the backup camera) - not any better than the existing mirror.
     

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