C4 In-Car Camera Mount Info/Wanted
05-23-2007, 01:22 AM
#1
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C4 In-Car Camera Mount Info/Wanted
I am very interested in getting a camera system/mount for my C4 which I can use for Autocross and HPDEs...Don't want to install a roll-bar/cage, where many camera mounts are positioned...Also, don't want to spend tons to get 'er done...Any ideas or sources would be appreciated! 
05-23-2007, 07:44 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Most of the harness bars have a camera mount. Cheaper than a roll cage but sure not free. Pretty easy to put in and take out with no permanent marks / holes. RD, Hardbar, etc carry them.
Sometimes you can find a used one on the forum for sale.
Sometimes you can find a used one on the forum for sale.
05-23-2007, 08:08 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
JWT has it right ... most harness bars will have some sort of accomodation for a camera. I think most would say a good harness bar & harnesses are req'd for even a casual weekend warrior.
Keep an eye out for used ones for sale. If not, call Gary @ Hardbar as he will be able to set you up with a bar, mount & harnesses. All good stuff too.
Keep an eye out for used ones for sale. If not, call Gary @ Hardbar as he will be able to set you up with a bar, mount & harnesses. All good stuff too.
05-23-2007, 09:49 AM
#4
05-23-2007, 10:58 AM
#5
Team Owner
This company has some suction-cup mounts that are very stable: http://www.chasecam.com/mounts/
I would also suggest considering a harness bar and a 5-point harness. The harness bar from R-D Racing is not that expensive and it's easy to install. They have a G-Force belt package that uses the factory belt mounting holes.
As mentioned, there are other makes out there (Hardbar is also a very good system) and you could find used ones. Put a WTB in the C4 PArts For Sale section to see if you can find one.
Using a harness for both autocross and track days helps you stay planted in the seat. That way you use your arm strength for steering and not to work on holding your upper body in place. The first track day I did without a harness made my arms very tired. After I installed my R-D harness setup, I was more comfortable in the car and my arms didn't hurt.
I would also suggest considering a harness bar and a 5-point harness. The harness bar from R-D Racing is not that expensive and it's easy to install. They have a G-Force belt package that uses the factory belt mounting holes.
As mentioned, there are other makes out there (Hardbar is also a very good system) and you could find used ones. Put a WTB in the C4 PArts For Sale section to see if you can find one.
Using a harness for both autocross and track days helps you stay planted in the seat. That way you use your arm strength for steering and not to work on holding your upper body in place. The first track day I did without a harness made my arms very tired. After I installed my R-D harness setup, I was more comfortable in the car and my arms didn't hurt.
05-23-2007, 11:32 AM
#6
Race Director
I am using the chasecam.com mount and it worked very well. I have the SM30, it screws right into the bottem of my digital video camera, in the tripod mount. Very nice. It will not stick on the rear window do to the defrost lines. I had to stick it to the plastic roof. It's a very good quality mount. 
Here is some video from Road America, opening weekend this year.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...05903045&hl=en
It looks better if you download it and run it in full screen.
Here is some video from Road America, opening weekend this year.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...05903045&hl=en
It looks better if you download it and run it in full screen.
05-23-2007, 11:45 AM
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05-23-2007, 02:14 PM
#8
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I fab'd this out of aluminum tubing and plate. It's light, and installs in seconds. The camera angle lets me record not only what's happening out the windshield, but also the tach display and gear shifting. (I use the camera bottom side set screw to locate the camera, and a clamp bracket over the camera for secure attachment.)
05-23-2007, 03:28 PM
#9
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I fab'd this out of aluminum tubing and plate. It's light, and installs in seconds. The camera angle lets me record not only what's happening out the windshield, but also the tach display and gear shifting. (I use the camera bottom side set screw to locate the camera, and a clamp bracket over the camera for secure attachment.)
PM Sent....
05-23-2007, 05:07 PM
#10
Racer
Pfyc.com
Check out the PFYC.COM Bullet camera packages and suction cup camera mounts. They can be used in the car or outside of the car with no permanent mounting holds.
05-23-2007, 11:29 PM
#11
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I fab'd this out of aluminum tubing and plate. It's light, and installs in seconds. The camera angle lets me record not only what's happening out the windshield, but also the tach display and gear shifting. (I use the camera bottom side set screw to locate the camera, and a clamp bracket over the camera for secure attachment.)
If I didn't already got a harness bar ready for a mount I'd try it.
05-24-2007, 02:47 PM
#12
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If you don't go with a harness bar type camera set-up, I recommend the sticky pod. We have used one for a couple years and it holds like you wouldn't believe. We usually mount it to the underside of the hatch glass, but have even mounted it to the outside of the car for autocross and it held great. The only downside is that we have to rotate our video 180 degrees since the camera is mounted upside down on the hatch glass.
05-24-2007, 04:08 PM
#13
Race Director
If you don't go with a harness bar type camera set-up, I recommend the sticky pod. We have used one for a couple years and it holds like you wouldn't believe. We usually mount it to the underside of the hatch glass, but have even mounted it to the outside of the car for autocross and it held great. The only downside is that we have to rotate our video 180 degrees since the camera is mounted upside down on the hatch glass.
05-25-2007, 10:31 AM
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We use Windows Movie Maker, too. We mirror the video horizontally, and then vertically to get it right side up. Check your software settings for video quality options.
05-25-2007, 11:20 AM
#15
Race Director
Interesting, I hadn't thought to try that. I did try mirror horizontal and that made the turns backwards. What I did was was add in flip 90° and then flip 90° again, since the flip 180° didn't seem to work. I tried every option for saving quality, none were as good as the original file. My video was one gig and movie maker would save it to one hundred meg.
06-05-2007, 01:56 AM
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Thanks 69427...
...For the GREAT idea! I had the chief engineer at my work help me fab this mount today out of some steel stock and plate...
...Upon testing out this setup, I realize that I will need some better vibration dampening under the camera, as I got too much shaking...I'm sure I can find something that will work. Thanks again Mike!
...Upon testing out this setup, I realize that I will need some better vibration dampening under the camera, as I got too much shaking...I'm sure I can find something that will work. Thanks again Mike!
Last edited by corvette49rdave; 06-05-2007 at 01:59 AM.
06-05-2007, 09:57 AM
#17
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Nice looking piece there. I must have just lucked out, as I haven't had any vibration issues with mine. Don't know if the difference in materials is a factor or not. (I'm a double E, not an ME) Let us know what you end up doing to resolve the issue.
