Front Toyota Logo Camera project

[CookieRoe]

Hey all,

Next mod I'm putting together: Front logo camera with Gentex built in Hi-Def monitor, Homelink and digital compass. I recently purchased and installed one (mirror) of these on my younger brother's RAV4. After I was done, I said to myself, "I must also have it". Buuu haaa hahhaaa. I always wanted a front camera, so here's an opportunity now that I'll have "another screen" apart from the NAV.

Anyway:

I've been searching forever looking for a "logo camera" for our 4th gens. Lots of parts are interchangeable with the 120 series Prado so I thought I'd start there. Long story short: Apparently one doesn't exist for the size of our logos.

Here is ours: From one end to the other is approx: 65mm (Prado is 75mm)

From the middle to the bottom is approx 25mm. (Prado is 45mm)

So there are basically 2 types of logo cameras you can install for a Toyota, 1) one that fits on the left corner and 2) one that fits inside the bottom/middle part of the oval.

type 1: (this particular one for a RAV4 is about 71mm, so some trimming will be required)

Type 2: (can't find one that won't completely cover the bottom end of the logo, this option more than likely will look like ass)

This is the mirror I purchased a few days ago:

pic1: (from a Tundra)

pic2: (Hi-def display, compass heading lights up orange)

To activate the front camera, I wanted to use one of these buttons (to be located on the center console)

option1: (simple, no markings, but does light up when activated. Looks OEM)

option2: (where it says "Reverse", I may black paint-marker it over. Looks OEM)

Wiring will be easy, sort of. I'm fretting getting the wires from the cabin to the engine bay (firewall). I know that is going to be a real PITA. I plan on getting this done this summer, so I'll post any updates.

THANKS! :thumb:

NOTE: This mod will be in conjunction with my Lexus GX470 overhead console mod as I'd rather tackle both (while I have the overhead console off anyway). Stay tuned!!

 

[DirtDobber]

very cool. I am interested in this too. I already have a mirror monitor that accepts two video inputs on it.

 

[yosh2000]

can you tell me where to get this switch?

Sweet project, as always, post up some PNs if you find something that works...i like following in your footsteps in these kinds of mods!!

 

[CookieRoe]

can you tell me where to get this plug?

Sweet project, as always, post up some PNs if you find something that works...i like following in your footsteps in these kinds of mods!!

Thanks Josh. Plug? Umm, I was going to solder wires to the pins (which i don't have just yet).

link to get this switch: Reverse Camera Push Button Switch Fr Toyota Prado Hilux FJ Cruiser Orange LED | eBay
price: $21.99

Of course, when I have this up and running, I'll post pinouts as well.

 

[yosh2000]

sorry, meant switch. thanks for the link!

 

[t-man]

Subbed! :hail:

 

[A/V1]

Hey Ed, I think I’ve got the same rear view mirror! I’ve been wanting to do something with a forward-facing camera as well but can’t find any “decent” ones that won’t break the bank. I originally got my rear view mirror w/ monitor because I wanted / want to remove the Kenwood nav head unit I currently have installed, and replace it with a single-Din head unit for the audio, and use a tablet for navigation, and appy type stuff. Of course, The mirror would be there for the rear view monitoring.
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But after I installed it and split the video into the mirror, I realized the display is quite a bit smaller than I’m used to, and I don’t know if I can get used to it. So I’m still on the fence for that. In the meantime though, I’ve decided to go a different route with cameras. I decided to buy a couple cameras and a DVR that were previously installed in a police squad car, and use them. They removed them and auctioned them off when they upgraded.<O

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Anyway, that Rav4 camera looks very cool! Do you have any of the specs for it? LUX rating? Price?<O

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Running your wiring through the firewall isn’t difficult on the passenger side. There’s a huge grommet where there are some factory provisions for running wiring. One is used on mine, leaving a lot of other room to run what you need. I have an electrician’s “fishing tape”, so that makes things a little easier, but you could do the same thing with a wire hanger straightened out. Just attach the wire (or even a smaller gauge wire) to run through. Then once it’s through, attach the larger wire to that wire and pop it through. They even have a wire lube for doing this type of thing at various stores. Normally if it’s tight though, I’ll put some rubbing alcohol, or if I must, soapy water, on it, and it slides right through. The alcohol will evaporate. I generally try to wipe off the soapy water. It’ll evaporate too, but I don’t like water getting on too much. Especially the soap. It can leave a film.<O

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Def subscribing!<!-- google_ad_section_end --> opcorn:<!-- / message -->

 

[CookieRoe]

Hey Ed, I think I’ve got the same rear view mirror! I’ve been wanting to do something with a forward-facing camera as well but can’t find any “decent” ones that won’t break the bank. I originally got my rear view mirror w/ monitor because I wanted / want to remove the Kenwood nav head unit I currently have installed, and replace it with a single-Din head unit for the audio, and use a tablet for navigation, and appy type stuff. Of course, The mirror would be there for the rear view monitoring.

But after I installed it and split the video into the mirror, I realized the display is quite a bit smaller than I’m used to, and I don’t know if I can get used to it. So I’m still on the fence for that. In the meantime though, I’ve decided to go a different route with cameras. I decided to buy a couple cameras and a DVR that were previously installed in a police squad car, and use them. They removed them and auctioned them off when they upgraded.

Anyway, that Rav4 camera looks very cool! Do you have any of the specs for it? LUX rating? Price?

Running your wiring through the firewall isn’t difficult on the passenger side. There’s a huge grommet where there are some factory provisions for running wiring. One is used on mine, leaving a lot of other room to run what you need. I have an electrician’s “fishing tape”, so that makes things a little easier, but you could do the same thing with a wire hanger straightened out. Just attach the wire (or even a smaller gauge wire) to run through. Then once it’s through, attach the larger wire to that wire and pop it through. They even have a wire lube for doing this type of thing at various stores. Normally if it’s tight though, I’ll put some rubbing alcohol, or if I must, soapy water, on it, and it slides right through. The alcohol will evaporate. I generally try to wipe off the soapy water. It’ll evaporate too, but I don’t like water getting on too much. Especially the soap. It can leave a film.

Hey Brad,

The size of the monitor in the mirror is about 3.3", it's not too bad. The Gentex mirror is "HD" (don't know the specs) and the camera should be a CCD (not CMOS), so in theory I should get a good, clear image. I have one in my 07 Civic and didn't care for the size of the image, but I got used to it.

RAV4? I should modify that to say Camry. I read your post this afternoon and was going to reply, but then I noticed the majority of the Camry Logo cameras are smaller which is what you want. Also, I've noticed the specs on the cameras offered on Aliexpress seem to be better than on fleabay. I don't want to share a crappy camera to everyone.

Here is the camera I'm looking at:

link: Free Shipping HD CCD Car Front View Frontview Camera for Toyota Camry Night Vision Waterproof Logo Emblem Camera on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Price: US $27.59 - 32.19 (they are offering several cameras, I think price depends on size, since we want the smaller one, I assume it's $27.59 with Free shipping. Because they take 56 years for delivery, I'm going to pony up $20 to get here on a decent date)

Specs: (had to take a pic, page wouldn't let me copy text)

Which grommet? The big ass one in the middle? Thanks for the tips!!

 

[A/V1]

This grommet:



You'll have to pull the passenger side kick panel, and I believe I had the glove box door removed as well to reach the grommet from the inside. When I ran my wire for my amp, I also ran some other wires "for future use", and coiled them up so I wouldn't have to do it again later.

 

[CookieRoe]

This grommet:

You'll have to pull the passenger side kick panel, and I believe I had the glove box door removed as well to reach the grommet from the inside. When I ran my wire for my amp, I also ran some other wires "for future use", and coiled them up so I wouldn't have to do it again later.

Cool, thanks man!! :thumb:

 

[CookieRoe]

update

Got the logo camera in. Very nice, seems well built.

Anyway, as I suspected, it is a tad too large to fit. This is why Dremels were invented (not really, LOL). I don't expect to take off too much. I'll be trimming the camera, NOT the logo on my grille.

Not much else for now. Still waiting on the AirOnBoard button to arrive.

 

[yosh2000]

Sweet dude, I may just have to copy one of your mods yet again!!

 

[riceandpho]

look at this baller, rolex watch, vacation with the family, mods for the truck lol. cant wait to see the finished product.

 

[CookieRoe]

look at this baller, rolex watch, vacation with the family, mods for the truck lol. cant wait to see the finished product.

rolex? It's a $95 Seiko watch I got on fleabay, LOL.

Technically, this mod (not including the mirror monitor) should clock in less than the value of the watch.

 

[CookieRoe]

Got the switch (button). Quality product from AirOnBoard. The Reverse Camera button will be to activate the front camera and the GPS button is part of J.A.'s NAV override module.

Again, I'll post with any updates. Life has been extremely busy as of late.

type of button: simple on/off throw, lights amber. Instructions mention that installing a relay is a must. I consulted with J.A. and with his module, the power being managed isn't enough to warrant one. To be installed on the center console (so my passenger can activate it while I'm driving).

 

[Code2]

Not much else for now. Still waiting on the AirOnBoard button to arrive.

You'll be waiting a bit. I ordered one from them and it took almost 10 days to receive. I should have order the rest while i made the order

 

[CookieRoe]

You'll be waiting a bit. I ordered one from them and it took almost 10 days to receive. I should have order the rest while i made the order

Actually, they arrived the day I posted, so about a week or so. That's fine for me, I haven't really touched this project, life still has me pinned down. I WILL post updates as I'm getting restless on not advancing on my mods/projects. I have a possible move and a baby on the way, so...........................

 

[CookieRoe]

update: zero

So, I did end of moving and baby is now 15 months and I have a 5 year old. So yeah, no time to do anything.

Maybe bumping this will generate some more interest and ideas from you guys!!

Or not.


LOL.

 

[Front_Runner]

Bump

:bump2:

You ever get it finished up? Just found this and it was like watching a movie without an epic ending everyone was hoping for haha

 

[CookieRoe]

Back from the dead

Besides the passenger side grommet (Haven't tried it yet), is there another way into the cabin? All I have to do is run one video cable (and small power wire). From what I've read the driver's side grommets are a massive pain in the ass.

Thanks for any suggestions or tips.

Regarding the logo camera, eff that, I got a Nikita camera from Amazon. Going to mount it in the front bumper. It will be an "anytime" camera. So, why abandon the logo cam?

1) Not one of them fit. I've collected a few over the years
2) They are cheap, got them from AliExpress. (reliability is crap)
3) I'd rather not dremel and mod the front logo.