When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Long time lurker on the forum. I figured I would post something I have done to my C7: I have installed the C8 video mirror (FDM mirror) in my C7 convertible. This is a basic tutorial on the install, and some of the good/bad with it. First, I will admit I have inside connections to the parts necessary. I had a kit before the C8 launched, and I installed it a couple years ago. I believe components will be available through GM. However, the one component necessary for a C7 is going to be a 20' video cable. I don't what the video cable length is in the C8. My kit was a little custom. I had a special bracket for the camera made, and had a couple other custom features added.
I will post some pics, if/when my schedule permits. I will do what I can to help someone else out info on an install.
Installation:
It is pretty straight forward, although running the video cable is a PITA. It requires some significant access to the rear quarter panel, the rear bumper, etc. Because my car has the wickerbill-rear spoiler, I chose to install the camera down by the other rear camera/licence plate. I barely had the needed length on 20 feet, once it was pulled through the car. all the trim pieces one would expect to come off did, and there's only one way to install the cable in either car. The inside mirror comes off with some serious coaxing, and I would recommend the YT vids showing windshield replacement. there is one out there that shows how to take the mirror on/off.
For the wiring, I used the same wires for the mirror, albeit, I had to solder the existing wires into the new wiring plug socket. A little bad news now: This install eliminates the Onstar mirror feature. I have never missed it.
The good:
It works exactly as one would expect from the C8.
It is ONLY useful in the 'top up' condition. Top down, the display is nowhere near bright enough to overcome the sun.
It fixes two major issues with the C7 rearview mirror: in the convertible up, the hole/viewable area sucks. the display improves this a ton. It also improves the sensor issue (in mirror) related to the convertible hole. GM screwed up the design (i know the reasons why) with the sensor (darkening sensor). in the top up configuration, headlights are commonly shaded to the mirror because of the mirror position (and the small rear hole).
It is a sleaker mirror design, and frees up a little more forward visibility
The bad:
No onstar in mirror
The camera postion is not as good as the C8, but it is still quite acceptable in the position I chose. I thought about 3D printing a custom pod to mount over my CHMSL (center high mount brake light). The spoiler killed this concept. I also thought about drilling a 1/2" hole through the mid portion of the bumper (near the corvette emblem), but felt that this would look odd.
The camera can bounce/vibrate because of the lack of a firm mount from the plastic back into the structure. It is really only a problem at highway speeds, at which, I don't care much about the video display. Using some greatstuff foam would likely firm this up to the structure, but... it is not bad enough for me to care about it.
There it is. I have another secret coming for a future post. Something a little more exotic, that will be completely one-off. It will, though, be very useful as it fixes another issue on the C7s.
A few housecleaning items, then some pics.
1. I didn't know there was another FDM mirror install thread. I would have posted to it, so the general topic is contained in one thread.
2. Yes, the camaro mirror is the same as corvette. camera, cable, etc.
3. There are a few websites out there selling mirror kits, and FDM components (cables, cameras, etc). Gen5DIY was one I found on Youtube for a Camaro install. I would have considered a spoiler mount they provide as a service.
4. In Jeff's thread, there are some part numbers listed. I don't have the GM PNs available to me. I might be able to determine the molex/tyco connector used for the mirror, which would save buying a wire harness from someone.
5. My camera mount is 3D printed. I used some 3M VHB to bond it to the body panel. Someone with limited machining skills could make one from Delrin or Aluminum on a knee mill.
The following three pics should show you the functionality, and location of how I mounted the rear camera.
Rear mounted camera for FDM mirror mirror visibility with top up video display on with top up
Thanks for taking the time & trouble for the writeup.
I have the extra wide-angle exterior (driver and passenger side) mirrors From Sandyeggo designs and really like them. Otherwise, I'd be looking to do the camera mod.
I'm mounting mine in my halo trim. I recently picked up a 3D printer and I'm in the process of learning some CAD software so I can try to model something. It's a pretty steep learning curve though.
I could have mounted it inside the spoiler like on the Camaro and been done with this long ago. But I think the improved view from on top of the halo makes the extra work worth it. It's also more interesting that way.
As much as I dont like pullling interior panels, I'd gut mine to have this mod. My view thru the wickerbill/spoiler is awful.
Thanks for the write up.
Waiting to see your version Jeff V of the camera mount, know you have been working on that for awhile.
I'm mounting mine in my halo trim. I recently picked up a 3D printer and I'm in the process of learning some CAD software so I can try to model something. It's a pretty steep learning curve though.
I could have mounted it inside the spoiler like on the Camaro and been done with this long ago. But I think the improved view from on top of the halo makes the extra work worth it. It's also more interesting that way.
You are the man!
I been watching your other thread too! Waiting and hoping you will be willing to "print" a copy for us untalented folk for a reasonable charge once you prefect it. I can paint it if you can print it. I'll take the first slot in line!
A 3D printed surface won't be good enough for paint without significant prep and filler. I'm actually thinking of skinning the whole halo assembly in carbon or something. But that's a problem for later.
A few housecleaning items, then some pics.
1. I didn't know there was another FDM mirror install thread. I would have posted to it, so the general topic is contained in one thread.
2. Yes, the camaro mirror is the same as corvette. camera, cable, etc.
3. There are a few websites out there selling mirror kits, and FDM components (cables, cameras, etc). Gen5DIY was one I found on Youtube for a Camaro install. I would have considered a spoiler mount they provide as a service.
4. In Jeff's thread, there are some part numbers listed. I don't have the GM PNs available to me. I might be able to determine the molex/tyco connector used for the mirror, which would save buying a wire harness from someone.
5. My camera mount is 3D printed. I used some 3M VHB to bond it to the body panel. Someone with limited machining skills could make one from Delrin or Aluminum on a knee mill.
The following three pics should show you the functionality, and location of how I mounted the rear camera.
Rear mounted camera for FDM mirror mirror visibility with top up video display on with top up
Also, did you find the parts used? Please post up the part numbers and how you made up the video cable.
My kit was a gift from some special people with special means to secure top secret items. I am forever grateful for their generosity. It was like receiving fine scotch in Supermax. The gift contained the camera, the cable, the mirror, etc.
One other item I forgot to mention. As I type this, there is a Camaro mirror on eBay for 250. It appears there are some sites out there that will sell a camera and cable. So, for 450-500?, one could put together a kit. If it were me in this situation, I'd pay the money to spoiler mount the camera (websites). That takes care of the camera. The only other item to address would be the mirror connector. Maybe there are also wire harness kits out there for the FDM mirror?
I bought the OEM connectors to make my mirror plug and play. I made a short jumper harness that goes between the C7 body connector and the video mirror. I'd have made my own coax cable for the video signal, but you need some pretty pricey crimping tools for that. It made a lot more sense to just order a completed cable.
If anyone does buy a second hand mirror, try to get one with the cover that goes over all the electrical connections. I bought mine thinking I'd just buy the cover later, only to find out GM doesn't sell it as a separate piece.
It also looks like GM doesn't sell the camera by itself. I bought a Camaro spoiler to get mine. I'm hoping the C8 camera is available standalone. Even if you do have to buy the cover plate, it's way smaller than a spoiler and a lot cheaper to ship.
That is absolutely the wrong mirror. The Camaro mirror I have snapped right in to my C7.
Thanks Jeff, you saved me from buying the wrong mirror. Anyone have the GM part number handy for the correct mirror that snaps right into the C7,and the camera?
The Camaro PN is 84566425. It's "with video display, RPO DRZ". I don't know if the PN for the C8 is the same or not. I haven't found anyone with a C8 parts catalog yet.
The number is printed on the back of the mirror. It'd be interesting to know if The Guns has the same PN or not.
C8 Interior Mirror in C7
