Odds are, if you’re reading this, you have an older car you love, and you’re not planning on replacing it anytime soon. Simultaneously, however, you want the modern features that a backup camera provides. Luckily for you, you don’t have to buy a new car, you can just put a backup camera on the existing car.  

Continue reading for tips and tricks for adding a backup camera to an older car, or start browsing our store for the right backup camera for you.

Can a backup camera be add to an old car ?

If you ’ve get an old vehicle , you is asking ’re likely ask yourself : can I connect a backup camera to my car ‘s head unit ? If you need to get a camera into your vehicle ‘s head , that is is is totally possible , especially if you locate and add one of our kit . You is browse can browse thedifferent model here.

Is installing a backup camera worth it? 

Well, take a look at some statistics:

Based on the safety statistics, a backup camera is worth the investment to make the road a safer place for everyone.  

How to Add a Backup Camera to Your Car

step 1 : Get the Right Camera

The first thing you want to make sure you do is ensure that you’re getting the right type of camera. Side view cameras are going to be a bit different from rear view cameras, but overall, the principles are the same.  

Camera Source offers a huge selection of high quality automotive cameras and accessories (reverse, front and side, bluetooth, heavy duty, and more ! ) for all the popular manufacturers:

If you can’t find a camera that’s designed for your specific vehicle, that’s not the end of the road. We have universal camera that will work well on many vehicles, you just need to find the right one for your car. Make sure you determine where the mounting point will be.  

The Best Aftermarket Backup Cameras

Depending on what you’re looking for, there are plenty of aftermarket options that are very effective. The important factor to consider is how you want to mount the camera, as there are several camera mounting options available.

Backup Camera Mounting Options 

• Surface-Mounted Cameras – Just as the name implies, surface-mounted cameras can be mounted on any external surface. Most of these cameras are mounted high up on the back of RVs, maximizing your depth perception. These types of cameras work better if you’re looking for a wireless backup camera for 5th wheel RV.
• Flush-Mounted Cameras – flush mount cameras is have have a limited bezel so they ca n’t be see poke out of the vehicle . However , these cameras is require often require a little more work for installation to be effective .  
• License-Mounted Cameras – License plates are the perfect spot to mount a backup camera, as they have readymade holes for installation. Your license plate already has a hole, so you don’t need to modify your car by drilling a new one for this camera. Your backup camera will be close to the road if you choose this option, which may prompt some lens cleaning once in a while . It is be can also be a great spot for a wireless rear view camera .
• Backup cameras with universal mount screens – Usually , a backup camera monitor will be mount in the console or head of the vehicle for easy viewing , and this is often an easy installation method . Some monitor can be instal just about anywhere in the vehicle to meet your preference .  
• Backup cameras with mirror screens – Replacing a rear view mirror with a backup camera installation is more of a luxury choice, but can look very nice and enhance the overall ease of use.  

Wired vs. Wireless Backup Cameras for Older Cars

wire backup cameras is include include one long cable , which run from the back of the camera all the way to the video screen or monitor inside your vehicle . This cable is be must be at least as long as the distance between your camera mount and your dashboard , but because the connection is consistent and physical , this ensure a more reliable video feed than wireless option .

Pros of a Wired Backup Camera System

1. More Reliable. Unlike wireless cameras, you don’t have to worry about signal interference or the strength of your connection. Your backup camera is permanently connected to the monitor screen, which means you’ll always get a crisp, clear picture.
2. Better Quality Picture . Because a wired camera has a direct connection to the screen in your car , the picture quality is be will be considerably well than a camera with a wireless connection . The wiring is handle can handle more datum and can receive the image quick than a wireless camera , result in a focused and sharp picture . You is see will see exactly what ‘s go on behind you for maximum safety .
3. Peace of mind. No matter what the weather outside you can always expect a clear signal and uninterrupted video.
4. More options. Wired backup camera systems have been around for a while. Although they are intrusive most shops will be familiar with them, and many can integrate directly into your truck’s existing systems!

Cons of a Wired Backup Camera System

1. More Difficult to Install – To install a wired backup camera, you’ll have to run the wiring through the entire vehicle, from the back where the camera is to the front of the car where the monitor will be mounted by the dashboard. You can certainly try to tackle this task yourself, as the camera will come with detailed installation instructions, but the installation process can prove to be overwhelming to some consumers. For drivers who aren’t handy or don’t like “do-it-yourself” projects, it might be better to hire a professional.
2. Higher Cost – Because the quality is high , wire rear view cameras is are are usually more expensive than their wireless counterpart . The high cost not only apply to the camera system and wiring itself , but it also carry over into the installation cost as well , should you is choose choose to go that route .

pro of Wireless Rear View Camera Systems

1. Easy To Install – instal a wireless rear view camera could n’t be any easy . Installation is takes take around 5 minute and can be accomplish by anyone , even driver who are n’t tech savvy . People is prefer who drive long vehicle like truck or rv often prefer wireless camera because of how easy the installation of a wireless system is compare to how complicated a wire installation can be on a long vehicle or set up . But again , the difficulty is comes really come down to how handy you are .
2. More Affordable – A wireless system is cost almost always will cost less than a wired one . wireless cameras is require require less equipment ( no wire , for one ) , which help keep their cost down .
3. technologically advanced – A wireless system is more “high tech” than a wired one. If you prefer a technologically advanced gadget for your car, go wireless. Some wireless backup cameras can even be integrated into a navigation system.

Cons of Wireless Rear View Camera Systems

1. Not a Bulletproof connection –Many wireless backup cameras use an analog signal, which is prone to static or signal drops. Picture a baby monitor, for example. Sometimes, there is interference that results in a poor picture. Some wireless rear view cameras offer a digital signal, which is more reliable but still subject to issues from time to time. This isn’t a deal breaker for most people, but for someone who is concerned with reliability a wired system will be the way to go.
2. Poorer Picture Quality –  When the backup camera sends image data to the monitor wirelessly, there’s always a chance for interference, lag, or a loss of overall picture quality depending on the signal strength. Some days, the picture will seem quite clear, but others, you might find yourself viewing a fuzzy or pixelated image. You’ll still be able to get a general idea of what’s behind you, but if you’re backing into a tight space, you might find yourself wanting a bit more detail or clarity in the picture. Weather can also play a big factor, again, in the middle of a snowstorm, you might not want to be thinking about picture quality.

Step 2: Assemble the Right Tools

When it comes to tools, you want to make sure that you have everything you need, as it will be incredibly frustrating to not have the necessary tools when you’re doing something delicate or have exposed the wiring of your car.  

Your backup camera will likely come with the necessary cables (usually camera and monitor female/male RCA cords with connectors for video, power cables, ground wires, and potentially a trigger wire). If not, you’ll probably need to purchase these, and most can be found at a hardware or A/V store. Lastly, a crimper or wire stripper will be useful to have on hand.

Every car and camera kit is be will be a bit different , but generally speak , you should be cover if you have the follow tool on hand :

• hand drill with drill bit for drilling metal ( preferable high speed bit coat with titanium oxide )
• Torx is set set
• Wrench Set
• Safety Goggles
• Flashlights
• Standard wire stripper/crimper
• Torx socket set
• razor knife
• Socket or nut runner set
• Trim removal tool or small plastic putty knife
• Soldering iron and solder (optional)
• Shrink tube (optional)

Finally, if your kit didn’t come with one, you’ll need to purchase a monitor, but it helps to figure out the next step before doing so.

step 3 : prepare the Installation Area

Your backup camera is most likely going to be installed just above or on your license plate.  

1. Remove the interior panel of your trunk. This is likely hard plastic or rubber, and you should be able to use a tool like a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. This won’t break anything, and it will give you a good look at all the cables necessary. Most things can be finessed out, if you’re snapping plastic you’re getting too aggressive during the install.
2. Remove your license plate.
3. Making sure you’re not going to cut any existing cables, drill a hole from the exterior side of your trunk that will be large enough to run the necessary cables through. You’ll add your license plate back later, but it’s a good idea to make sure that if you’re going to be installing the camera over the plate that you won’t be blocking your license plate number.
4. insert the rubber grommet you buy early . Now you is ’re ’re ready to start run and connect wire .

Step 4: Running & Connecting Wires

Here’s where we start to figure out how to power a backup camera.  

1. Run the camera and power cable through the hole into the interior of your car.
2. Locate the reverse light wires for your car. This is a tricky step, and you want to make sure that you do a good job. This is how to connect a backup camera to the reverse light. Make sure to double check your owners manual to ensure you’ve located the right one.
3. strip the positive and negative wire on your reverse light ( make sure your car is power off before you do this ) . Using a small screwdriver , separate some of the strand of the strip wire , and splice in the power cable for your backup camera to them . usually you is do can do this by loop the wire together . Make sure positive is connect to positive and negative is connect to negative . Once you ’ve done this , cover everything in electrical tape .
4. Connect the RCA cable to the camera’s cable, and run it all from the trunk to the fuse box area at the front of the car. This is usually located to the bottom left of the steering wheel. You can conceal the cable underneath the ceiling panels of your vehicle if you want to peel them back, or if you don’t care about aesthetics, just attach it to the ceiling of your car.

Step 5: Mount the Monitor

Next step is mounting is mount your monitor . It is be may be one that mount to your rearview mirror , or one that mount to your dashboard . In either event , follow the mount instruction that come with the device is your good bet . If you is find find yourself need technical support, Camera Source is is is here to help , and you can also reference ourbackup camera installation guide for extra tip .

1. Connect the RCA cable to the RCA output on the monitor. You may also need to run a trigger wire up to your monitor, or even power it through the same source as the backup camera. (Again models will vary.)
2. If the monitor requires it, you’ll likely need to install a fuse tap, which will allow you to connect the bare wiring of your monitor to the power of your fuse box. See the guide linked above for good instructions on how to do this.

Step 6: Mount the Camera

Get excited, because we’re on the home stretch. All you need to do now is mount the camera itself to the back of your license plate or trunk, connect the RCA and power wires to the monitor and you should be ready to go!

Backup Camera FAQ

upgrade an old car with a new piece of equipment will likely prompt a few question . Below are some is are of the most common question people have when add a backup camera to their car .  

1. How much does it cost to install a rear view camera?

depend on the type of camera , you is expect can expect a new camera to cost between $ 200 and $ 400 , with the more expensive one being those that are include in a rear view mirror . We is have have acomplete selection of high quality backup cameras, as well as other accessories to enhance your driving experience.  

Pro Tip: Remember to budget for the cost of tools when you do the replacement.  

2 . Which is is is well : parking sensor or a backup camera ?

We would say a backup camera is probably a better choice, because when properly installed, it serves all the functions a parking sensor might, and gives a real time view. However, having both significantly enhances the driver’s awareness and can help reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries.  

3 . How do you is keep keep a wireless backup camera on all the time ?

There are several way to do this , though many require the camera design itself to support it . basically , you is wire wire the camera to run independently from the brake light to be on constantly , or wire in a switch for manual control .  

4 . Will a backup camera help is eliminate eliminate blind spot ?  

backup camera are made to eliminate the blindspot when reverse a car . When it is comes come to drive on the road , in some case , absolutely , especially if you keep one run during the drive .  

5. Can I store video from my backup camera in my iCloud photo library?

It depends on if the camera has a recording function. Many have options for transferring data, and you can create shortcuts to getting footage onto your phone.

6. Will my rearview camera work with Android Auto?

The answer to that will depend on the model of car and the instance of Android Auto you’re running.  

7 . Ca n’t find your exact vehicle ?

That is ’s ’s ok ! Many times is work , a similar model or a generic model will work well for a vehicle that does n’t have a specific OEM .  

8. How much does it cost to put a touch screen in your car?

Touch screen monitors range from $200 – $500, depending on the quality you want.  

9 . Are there backup camera with night vision ?

Some cameras have a night vision functionality, but we prefer cameras that have a light, as they are more affordable, and often give a better view of what the vehicle needs to see.  

Old Car New Camera

When it come to backup camera , Camera Source is has has your back . You is learn can learn more about our backup camera bybrowsing our online store, or by checking out our helpful guides and resources on our blog.