Hi all,

I'm interested in getting a backup camera and a front camera (for parking) professionally installed in my DBS. (I know a few of you guys have done the backup cam install yourselves, but I don't trust my skills enough to attempt it.)

I'd like to have the cams integrated with the factory nav screen and to have a switch so that I can toggle between the two cameras.

(1) Does anyone know if ~$1800 is a reasonable price for this job (including equipment)?

(2) Also, the shop is quoting me the flat price and is unwilling to break out the cost of labor vs. equipment. Is that par for the course in this industry, or are they being difficult?

I'm shopping around, of course, but a flat price makes it difficult to do an apples-to-apples comparison.

Thanks in advance for the insight!

 

That's way to much! 1,000 tops with two cameras and install.

 

Ah, well, wish I were up in NorCal. I'd ask you to put me in touch with your guy. I get the sense the shops in SoCal jack up prices as soon as they hear Aston Martin. Thanks for the tip! I'll keep shopping.

 

Hey Anton28,

Sounds like you have this installed in your car...

(1) Did the installer provide the cameras, or did you buy them yourself and then have them do the install?
(2) Would you happen to have model #s for the cameras?
(3) Where did you mount your cameras?
(4) Does your nav screen automatically pop up when you put the car in reverse?
(5) And did you install a switch to toggle between the front and rear cams?

Thank you.

 

I'm confused. Didn't you tell me a week ago that you wound up installing the cameras yourself?

 

No need to be confused. I installed front and rear dash cameras. I'm asking about a backup camera and a front-mounted camera (to help with parking).

 

I haven't yet but have spoken to my audio shop about it. I just need to get my car in there. I'm actually thinking about getting a rearview mirror camera instead of having my nav screen pop up every time I put it in reverse. I never use that thing and it's going to bug me seeing it going up and down all the time. But you can wire the factory screen to go up when you put the car in reverse or hit the switch for the front camera.

The rear view mirror camera is a rear view mirror that clips over your existing mirror and has a screen built inside that you can only see through the mirrored finish when it lights up. There are also units that replace your entire rearview mirror but none have the same mounting points as our Astons that I have been able to find.

When I get this project underway I'll post details. I'm in a middle of major custom suspension project which will be very beneficial to all members as a way to lower your car and keep the stock ride quality soon to come!

 

Keep looking man. Also when you get a quote, Google the part numbers and see what you can buy those parts for your self. You can prob Save your self 30-35% of your estimate by supplying your own parts. Electronics have a HUGE 40% mark up on them my friend.

 

Hey brotha Anton,

Thanks for the suggestions. Yeah, been scouring the forums trying to figure out all the bits and pieces I'll need. I know these shops mark up the equipment big time, though I found you get some pushback when you tell them you want to source the parts yourself.

I don't mind paying for the work they do (I know it's not easy), but when they tack some margin onto the equipment, it makes it hard to comparison shop. One of the shops who bid on the job refused to break down the cost of labor vs. equipment, much less tell me part numbers of the equipment they planned to use.

Heck, I may try to tackle the install myself. Might be a fun challenge.

Cheers!

 

Have you seen these threads at PH?

pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=70&t=1295889&mid=377664&nmt=Revers e+and+Forward+Cameras+

pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1248204

 

Thanks, and yes, I have. Discovered them after starting this thread. It's what's given me the sense that it's a challenging but doable DIY install. I messaged the OP on that thread for a few details - want to make sure I understand everything before I start taking the car apart.

 

Find another shop for sure. Maybe even go 30-45 min out of your area. A shop that won't give you a brake down or won't don't do just labor can suck it as far as I'm concerned. There are plenty of smaller shops with very knowledgable guys that will do this with zero issues for you. Doing it your self is def doable if you are mechanically inclined. I used do all upgrades my self but I grew up building cars so for me it's easy. Now I have no time so I deligate my work but allways save a buck or two. Dollar saved is dollar earned good luck man!

 

I found this http://www.access1alarm.com/backup-camera-aston-martin but I believe it is for 2010 and above AM's.

 

I ended up doing the install myself. It was a doozy. Here's the writeup: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...tallation.html

 

that is a lot of work but they told me an hourish to install the rear camera, as for the front camera I would be on the fence between the FLIR camera with human/animal detection or the standard camera... depends how much of the bar needs restocking