Back-up camera for 2007 Solara convertible

[vicdreyer]

Hi,

I just registered today with Tundra Solutions I purchased a 2007 Toyota Solara SLE convertible with all the options (i.e. Nav, vehicle stability control, HID, car mats, etc) but noticed after driving the car a few days that it's difficult to see behind you.
I called the Toyota dealership and they told me they send their customers to Car Tunes for the camera installations.
I went to the local Car Tunes and they have a back-up camera made by Gryfan (?sp) for about a $100 and installation for about $70. The camera fits in a special license plate (that has a hole in the plate) and the camera attaches to the Nav so you can see the image on your display when the car is placed in reverse.
Are there any othe cameras or options for installing a back up camera (just so I can compare prices?)
Thanks,

Vic

[PXLpainter]

HI -

I've heard of people paying a few hundred for a camera to go with their Nav display, so I'd consider the quote you got a great price installed!

Wish I had gotten the Nav unit to add the camera as well - it's really hard to see behind you for sure!

Good luck - and welcome to TS!

Jeff

[jeffwingo]

I bought a BEC105 and went to install it into the back of my Nav on my 07 Solara and there was no connector available for the camera on the 07 Nav.

[vicdreyer]

Hi,
Try this site (if you haven't already). It explains the connections to the NAV system of the 2007 Solara
2007 Toyota Camry Navigation GPS System Installation Instructions.

[ceilinaples]

Great. I only did a test drive with the top down. It will drive me nuts if I can't see out the back. What is actually the cause for a bad view. Is it the window or the rear headrests?

[vicdreyer]

Originally Posted by ceilinaples

Great. I only did a test drive with the top down. It will drive me nuts if I can't see out the back. What is actually the cause for a bad view. Is it the window or the rear headrests?

With the top up, the combination of the small back window and the rear sitting higher than the front make it difficult to see behind you. I have a hard time trying to understand how Toyota could have overlooked this safety issue, it's like someone in the Toyota factory never backed this car up (with the top up) in their driving tests. This problem is not quite the deal breaker as this car really is one classy convertible.

[PXLpainter]

Since I lowered my car a bit (TRD lowering springs) I can see a little better... The butt of the Gen 2 Solara is up in the air - but I don't rely on rear-view much anyways - mostly use the side-view mirrors for backing up (with the convex blind spot mirrors attached of course!)



The pre-07 tail light cluster is pretty much worthless, so I upgraded to the 07 tails with LEDs and I don't even need the integrated backup light, they are so bright! (the 07s have them built into the bumper)



I'm thinking of adding some custom under-bumper lighting (tube-style) that wraps around the sides for backup and car entry. Sucks to step in crap (literally) in the dark when you approach your car!

But... if I ever add a nav system to this car, I will def. get a backup cam for it!

[vicdreyer]

PXLpainter,

Nice job on your car.
I have a question about the convex side mirrors. Is that something the Toyota dealership can have installed or is it easy to do it yourself? How much of a difference did it make for you when trying to see behind you when backing up?
Have you ever thought of adding a spoiler in the back? It would make the trunk a lot heavier to lift but I always though it would look so cool having a spoiler back there!
Vic

[PXLpainter]

Originally Posted by vicdreyer

PXLpainter,

Nice job on your car.
I have a question about the convex side mirrors. Is that something the Toyota dealership can have installed or is it easy to do it yourself? How much of a difference did it make for you when trying to see behind you when backing up?
Have you ever thought of adding a spoiler in the back? It would make the trunk a lot heavier to lift but I always though it would look so cool having a spoiler back there!
Vic

Hey Vic -

The convex mirrors I got at AutoZone the day I brought my car home from the dealership (something I do with every new car I buy) - and these are cool because they're adjustable! They just stick on with 3M tape on the back. Just position them in the least conspicuous area of your mirror so it doesn't interfere with the regular viewing too much.

I do have a new spoiler coming soon - it's at the paint shop right now.

More than twice as big as my current OEM spoiler - it's the new '07 Sport spoiler that looks like this:



That's as radical as I want to get, since I'm not into the "ricey" wing-type spoilers at all.

I'll post new pics once it's on my ride.

Thanks! Jeff