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From: Huntington Beach / Fountain Valley California
Backup Camera without drilling holes ?
So I'm about to install a Double Din Head Unit in my 99 C5 and want to purchase my backup camera before I start the project.
I have searched this forum and can't find what I'm looking for.
First, has anyone installed a backup camera WITHOUT drilling holes to mount it or to run wires ?
Please POST PICTURES of the mounted camera.
Can you guys/gals post your choice of backup cameras with links also ?. The prices of backup cameras have come down so far so I'm looking for an inexpensive camera. I see many on several sites but almost all of them require you to drill holes into the bumper to mount them. I would prefer not to drill holes for mounting if possible.
Please post pics and the camera you used. I was not able to find step-by-step instructions here. If there is a guide on this forum, can someone send a link please.
Thanks everyone.
Last edited by saxtech; Mar 12, 2019 at 08:30 AM.
Reason: Remove stereo link
I don't remember specifically which brand camera I used, but the one linked above is functionally and structurally identical to what I used. I'm no more than 50/50 that I had to drill a hole from the inside of the trunk, but I think I remember removing the white rear license lights, the license and bracket and then just fishing the camera wire into the trunk with a coat hanger. That is, I didn't have to drill the bumper anywhere; of that I'm 100% positive. I just used existing holes to route the wiring. The time-involved task would be to remove the interior panels to route the wire to the DD stereo, but it only took an extra 15 minutes for me because I had the car stripped out so I could install soundproofing.
"Aligator" offers a neat alternative with wireless equipment, but I still like my Pioneer DD set up because it automatically shows my camera's view in the display when I reverse; I don't need a second display.
I don't remember specifically which brand camera I used, but the one linked above is functionally and structurally identical to what I used. I'm no more than 50/50 that I had to drill a hole from the inside of the trunk, but I think I remember removing the white rear license lights, the license and bracket and then just fishing the camera wire into the trunk with a coat hanger. That is, I didn't have to drill the bumper anywhere; of that I'm 100% positive. I just used existing holes to route the wiring. The time-involved task would be to remove the interior panels to route the wire to the DD stereo, but it only took an extra 15 minutes for me because I had the car stripped out so I could install soundproofing.
"Aligator" offers a neat alternative with wireless equipment, but I still like my Pioneer DD set up because it automatically shows my camera's view in the display when I reverse; I don't need a second display.
You can install the camera and wireless it to your DD display.
Do you have a picture of the license plate camera "installed" that you posted above ?
I want to keep my original C5 license plate frame which has no screw holes in it. I'd like to see what that camera looks like installed on the Original C5 License Plate Frame.
Using ^ this one with my double din. Mounts behind license plate, camera comes over the top of license plate, cost is $32.99 shipped. Sorry, no pics on the car at this time.
Using ^ this one with my double din. Mounts behind license plate, camera comes over the top of license plate, cost is $32.99 shipped. Sorry, no pics on the car at this time.
That is a nice idea. But will it work with the Original C5 License Plate Frame ? The original frame doesn't have much room behind it and it kinda just snaps into place so not a big gap behind the frame ?
That is a nice idea. But will it work with the Original C5 License Plate Frame ? The original frame doesn't have much room behind it and it kinda just snaps into place so not a big gap behind the frame ?
Hopefully Tommy Penguin won't mind that I :vader: his pic, he has the same set-up -
The camera is small and pokes out right over the top. I have a lp frame that slightly protrudes around the edge of the license plate and the camera still cleared it.
From: Huntington Beach / Fountain Valley California
Originally Posted by AE Guy
Hopefully Tommy Penguin won't mind that I :vader: his pic, he has the same set-up -
The camera is small and pokes out right over the top. I have a lp frame that slightly protrudes around the edge of the license plate and the camera still cleared it.
The OEM Original C5 Frame is missing in that pic. I like the camera but I don't think you can do that with the Original C5 License Plate Frame installed. I still need to see a pic please of the OEM Original frame and a camera mounted either under the bumper or within the OEM C5 frame.
From: Huntington Beach / Fountain Valley California
Originally Posted by AE Guy
I guess my car was missing the OEM C5 lp frame as well then. What does it look like?
Simply put, when the OEM Frame is installed, you won't see any gaps between the edge of the backup light and the edge of the frame. You also won't see screw holes between the frame and edge of backup lights as you see in the pic posted here.
Mounted using longer screws that are used to mount the license plate lamps. Washers aren't really visible from the rear, and I was just using what I could find lying around my house. Cable was run through the torque tube tunnel and into the cabin through the harness behind the battery box. Took me no longer than 10 minutes to run the cable on a lift.
Looks like it got poor reviews on the Costco site, so I wouldn't even bother, personally. Especially since hardwired backup cameras are just a few bucks on ebay/Amazon and should be more reliable.
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Mar 13, 2019 at 12:17 PM.
If you want to run a wire through the interior without going the torque tube path you can go in through the rear "fresh vent". It's on the driver's side on the tub and can be reached if you remove the outermost tail light. Mount the camera, run the wire in around the tub, through the fresh vent, and under the upholstery and panels to the monitor.
Last edited by Velocity_Vette; Mar 13, 2019 at 01:52 PM.
Reason: spelling
You can run a wireless system, transmitter and receiver is only $6-7 on the auction site and others, and it works flawlessly, with no holes to drill. I have had mine in my car for over 3 years now and no problems, Look for my post on here somewhere, Transmitter is hooked to backup lights and power in the rear area easily accessed behind the license plate, and the receiver is easily hidden under the side of the console or behind the glove box. No running of wires from rear to front, no holes to drill, and very easy to install. The only way to go.
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