Mounting a camera near 3rd brake light

So, I've been thinking about installing a natika style cam near the third brake light. I'm curious if anyone has seen or attempted this specificly and could share some experience.

Reasons are,
- Better vantage point of the bed when hauling.
- A broader view of my surroundings when backing up/driving etc.
- Security reasons.

I have a nakita wd012 mounted to my front bumper and plan to use the same. I do have the OEM mirror back up cam but it leaves much to be desired.

Up front:



I plan on taping the area off and using a hole saw bit, silicone everything up and running the wire through the roof and down to my dasaita HU. I need to replace my aftermarket 3rd brake light due to a moister issue which will allow me more work room but I can't remember how much room is actually up there.

These are the areas I'm shooting for:



Any insight would be much appreciated!

Thanks

 

Get on the wait list for the MesoCustoms BD4-CAM

https://mesocustoms.com/collections/toyota-tacoma-3rd-gen/products/tacoma-3rd-gen-3rd-brake-light?variant=21207507239025

 

Ya thanks, I know about that. No offense to meso but his waiting lists can be up to a year. I got the itch to put this together sooner.

 

Had one mounted inside the cab below 3rd brake light . Day time was good but because of darker tint was pretty dark the view . If yours not tinted could try temp install to see if would work .

 

Right on, I had the same thought. I have 5% on the back windows and considered cutting a hole out of the tint for the lens.

This person did it and recommended it:

 

Was thinking about that was afraid if it didnt work I would have that cut out area that would bother me . Now thinking about it would'nt be too expensive to retint that small window . As far as mounting camara I just made a small bracket mount that slid under headliner . Was solid .
Maybe might trying again .

Ended up using license plate mount

 

Yup lol. If a accident did occur, re-tinting the whole piece wouldn't* be that big of a deal..

I was thinking I would use a geometry compass with an exacto knife to accomplish the perfect cut. Piece of mind..

I might give this a second thought as a trial. What cam and bracket did you use specifically?

 

Boyo VTL17LTJ Backup camera with LED lights and active parking lines — license-plate-mount at Crutchfield

Only thing with camera it has infrared light for night and it reflexes off window at night mudding up picture .Camera was mounted about 1/4 in away from window .Day its fine.
Will try taking pic of view with camera mounted on lic plate .

 

Ya, reflection would be an issue because I do alot of driving at night. Maybe and infrared cam would be of the table.

 

Pic camera on lic plate .




Brandmotion FVMR-1100 FullVUE™ replacement mirror/monitor with front- and rear-view cameras at Crutchfield
This is rear view mirror system with front camera . Pic is more realistic meaning pic not farther back than what it is . Been thinking about it .

 

Very nice

 

New idea in the works.. @hemitruk



I'll explain more in detail when I get a few things together

 

@hemitruk

So this is what I'm working on. Cam placement not set in stone. I've turned the page on cutting into the roof.



I want the cam to sit flush on the outside of the face plate. I'm not sure if I want to drill, Dremel or burn a hole for the wires/mounting. Just in case I screw up and crack it, I bought replacements. Super inexpensive.




$50 DIY vs $200 or so to have someone test print a 3rd brake that may or may not work.

I'm still working it out. But I think it'll work for what I want.

 

Looks like going to work . To me camera mounted there is a lot better than on license plate . Cant wait to see it

 

Thanks, I hope it turns out the way I pictured it

I'll update here as it progresses.

 

Working on it today. I tried a few different angles and I think I'm going to settle with right side of the light (passenger). Slight trimming needs to be done to back of the light to allow the mounting bolt to fit. Looking to finish this today.

 

Looks good . Here in Hawaii though with safety check wouldnt pass . Then again if I can find a spare lens can just swap out . Hmm...

 

So... I took that thought into account and relocated the cam. Lol don't feel like giving a cop a reason to pull me over. (You pulled me over for whaaaat?!!)

I went ahead and drilled a hole above the third brake light and popped the sucker in there.






I think it came out pretty good. Birds eye view! I do forever have a hole in my roof lol. But I did successfully try a few ways to fill the hole before I mounted the cam. So no worries there.

I'll take some day shot's tomorrow.

 

Looks good . Like position of camera there .Wider view to see if cars or people coming from side .

 

Thanks, that was the plan. I'm super stoked how it turned out. I used a shit load of silicone so I hope moisture won't get it there.