[The Gonz]

@Jesse91 , I like what you did with your reversing camera, and now Mrs G is putting the squeeze on me to pick something for my birthday, suggesting one for me/us (she drives it more than I now, since I've started work in Melbourne and cycling to base).

Given that the options are endless and the information quickly gets old, what do you and others recommend for a new set-up for Frugal Firty?

Is it worth getting some dashcam / rearcam combo?

Is there any quality tech that incorporates any worthy new features?

What are the minimum acceptable specs?

Links to actual products will be much appreciated.

This is my first step in my research.

Thanks muchly.

[The Gonz]

Dammit, now I'm in a quandary. Do I commit to the mirror-style reversing cam only to add a new multimedia head unit later or do I go the whole head unit now, since they take camera inputs anyway?

Sugestions?

[Dazzler]

Dammit, now I'm in a quandary. Do I commit to the mirror-style reversing cam only to add a new multimedia head unit later or do I go the whole head unit now, since they take camera inputs anyway?

Sugestions?

I'd go the whole head unit, but don't get diamondback brand... 

[The Gonz]

Well, there you go.

Given that I have a great GPS unit pseudo-permanently mounted inside my dashboard's pop-up pocket and the standard head unit just does everything I like, I've taken the easy option of getting this today (prodded by Mrs G asking what I want for next month's birthday):

NanoCam Plus Mirror Mounted Reversing Camera System - Supercheap Auto

The clincher for me was the big discount and, having seen an example in the flesh with no appearance of a screen when in mirror mode, I was impressed. 

[CraigB]

Gonz, is it a clip on over mirror setup or does it replace the current mirror?

[Paolo5]

Hi Gonz,
Let us know how this works out...

I have another brand of a rear view mirror reversing camera fitted to a Holden Combo, which works really well in underground carparks and when it is dark outside...but is absolutely useless for the other 90% of time that I reverse a car. The image on the mirror is there when I want it to be there but the daylight surrounding the car drowns out the image on the mirror, making it invisible.

I hope that the one that you choose will work better than my one.

[John B]

Hi Gonz,
Let us know how this works out...

I have another brand of a rear view mirror reversing camera fitted to a Holden Combo, which works really well in underground carparks and when it is dark outside...but is absolutely useless for the other 90% of time that I reverse a car. The image on the mirror is there when I want it to be there but the daylight surrounding the car drowns out the image on the mirror, making it invisible.

I hope that the one that you choose will work better than my one.

My Brother had the same problem.He was all excited when he got it fitted. It  was on his car for 2 days before he took it back and got his money back. Sorry cant remember the make.

[The Gonz]

Gonz, is it a clip on over mirror setup or does it replace the current mirror?

Clip-on, but with evidence that complaints resulted in a redesign according to some websites. Reasonable star ratings given.

[The Gonz]

OK, so looking around the roof lining I consider replacing all the incandescent globes with the stash of LEDs I got a while ago. To date, I've replaced only the dome and boot globes.

1. Does replacing the two mapreader globes require unscrewing the console?

2. How do I get at the sunvisor globes without damaging anything?

[The Gonz]

Questions:

What is the nylon thread on the pillar airbag panel for?
How do I remove the pillar airbag cover in order to route a cable?

[CraigB]

Questions:

What is the nylon thread on the pillar airbag panel for?
How do I remove the pillar airbag cover in order to route a cable?

I'd suspect it would be similar to the GD where you pull the rubber seal away which might provide enough room to route the cable or you can lightly pry the cover away as it should just clip on.

[The Gonz]

Never went there, Craig. I ended up threading the video cable directly to the top edge of the door, bypassing the pillar, as described in the other thread. Quite choofed at my non panel removing methodology.

[The Gonz]

Did I post the kit I got? Maybe not yet so here it is, although I got it for $64 on special. If anyone is considering anything at all that requires similar cable requirements, let me know. Most of the advice out there would have you dismantle half the car - really not necessary.

NanoCam Plus Mirror Mounted Reversing Camera System - Supercheap Auto

[Dazzler]

  Cheap as chips!