Hey guys, i love the back up camera so much...that i'm wondering if it's possible for us to put a front end camera so we don't scuff up our beautiful a-spec front lip?

If it is possible, how hard, expensive and time consuming would it be? Just a thought - i'm really getting all theses projects in mind to prep for next summer...

Hopefully ssomeone could shed a light. TIA!

If this is a repost...woops, my fault!

 

hmm good idea, should be possible.id assume it would take the same amount of time/effort as a backup camera but im not sure

 

I'm sure it can be done but not sure if it will work in conjunction with a rear cam.......

 

I thought about doing that too

 

it can be done with a switch requires the nav mod

 

it's comments like that that start up riots on threads.......

lol i'm a good driver and I wouldn't mind having one cause it's still a bit tricky to gauge distance from cement bumpers and shit.

 

dont talk shit

i really think this would be a good idea, i want to know if this can be done as well

 

I want this! I pretty much want cameras all over my car. Better than mirrors!

What would also be cool is an IR camera like on the Mercs...

 

I wonder if you could possibly have a switch to have it "split screen" to display front and rear possibly while driving or something. That would be sweet!

 

Hmn... I already see see some likely install/mounts.
A-emblem/tow hook/front-license

 

(lmao)...i'm breathing and thinking positive (instead of typing something stupid to escalate things).

God bless you ifirahse...i just thought it'd be nice because the backup camera is so accurate for me, that i don't wanna have to run into scraping my front bumper, that's all!

 

Dang that would be awesome...is it possible?

 

See, i like that idea...right on the 'A' emblem (underneath the horizontal line of the "A" - oowwwwweeeeeeeeee!)

 

Me too, also thought of this. I also LOVE the backup camera too. If you don't have one you don't know what you are missing! I will never own another car without one.

So how to go about it? It just takes one genius to actually do it and show everybody it can be done! Well here is an idea what the DIY would be like:

One place to mount it as mentioned is under the "A" of the grille. The advantage is an easier install and it will be somewhat guarded and remain hidden. The disadvantage is you may not be able to see the edge of the bumper which is the whole point. The second option is you can cut a small hole in the bumper and mount it there. The advantage would be visibility would be best here but the disadvantage is that it would be liable for damage to any impact greater than moderate. It will also be hard to camouflage aesthetically. You could recess it a bit and glue a clear plexiglass lens to it for protection from small damage/elements.

As for wiring this would be tricky too. Video converters have 2 video inputs. Only 1 of them (the 2nd one) turns on automatically in response to putting your car in reverse. The only real way to get the front camera is to split the 1st video input in 2 and have the camera turn on and off via an independent switch. You will also have to flip on the switch on the video converter manually too. (Basically you have to switch on 2 switches. I am not sure what impact this will have on the video converter. Is it a no-no to receive 2 video signals? If so I am so sure there is a video splitter with a switch available somewhere.

It is a totally doable mod....this thread is making me want to try it!

 

its very do-able. Wiring it up is pretty simple, just the triggers need to be wired a bit creatively... I think the hardest part of this will be camera placement. We can't mount it too low otherwise a rock will just crack the lense, but too high and we can't see anything...

 

Maybe for those without front plates---they/we can use the plate-holes. It's the closest part to the center of the bumper. [where it sticks out the most]. Or midway by the two-hook area like I mentiond before. Pop off the cap, make a new cover out of plexi-glass .... or something

 

I'd just wire in a switch to turn it on command rather than have it come on alone

best location would be on the V section right on the bottom wide view panoramic type pinhole cam with a custom mount peeping thru the mesh aiming downward since thats the area we need to protect (the aspec lip)

 

spot for camera

 

^^ DUde, which car is this from? Looks toight!

 

I searched for an IR camera but I can't figure out what Mercedes is doing? It looks like they are mounting their cameras in the headlights.

 

This thread is funny. A front camera..... wow.

Why not pay attention every time you park the car how close you're getting to curbs. After a short time you just have a feel for it. I can get my front end within an inch everytime without a camera.

 

This post is ignorant of all the benefits of the front camera. Let me help you: it's not for parking, although it might help for that. Get out of the house sometime and go look at how amazing the IR cameras are on BMW, Mercedes, or....even Cadillac. They are safer in fog or low light conditions and can outdo your fancy cleared headlights... It's probably a way better upgrade than your infinity system.

 

Making fun of my speakers, really? Calm down, the Infinities are long gone.

Cleared headlights? You may be thinking of someone else.

I've been lucky enough to have friends with high end Mercedes (I'm the poor one) and I have seen and driven all of the new stuff.

IR camera for low light/visibility conditions, cool.

Regular camera for parking (the original topic) is a waste of money IMO.

 

Concept TL

 

I'll give you the parking camera not being worth the time and money for an upgrade...but I want IR!!! (new topic >>> old, non IR camera topic...) Sadly, it will probably cost me $100k to purchase a Merc with this option as i can't find any aftermarket stuff very easily.