In Car Camera mount

[simplegreen]

What you will need: Three 3/16x2 1/2 Machine Screws (Stove Bolts), Three matching bolts, Three matching lock washers, 30Lx1Wx1H box aluminum (Closest length will most likely be 36" or 3 feet), 4 end caps (used for ends of hollow table legs), Hacksaw, Dremel (Optional but recommended), Drill, Glue Gun, Wrench, Swivel/Ball-Head Camera mount, matching bolt (1/4"), rubber washer, electrical tape

You'll be able to do this in approx 30 minutes, however if you decide to paint it allow for drying time.

Although not necessary the dremel will definitely come in handy when it comes to finishing edges etc.

http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount01.jpg

First step is to measure and mark where we'll be cutting.

The following measurements are for a 2001 Honda Civic, so if you don't own one, you'll have to find the measurements yourself.

Mark the first section at 9 1/2" (the width of the headrest), and mark the second section to have a length of 19" (this is the approx length for the camera to be positioned in the center of the car).


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount02.jpg


Next step is to cut the pieces to the marked lengths.

Using the electrical tape, tape both pieces together as shown, since we will be drilling through them. Make sure it's taped tight, since the drill bit will have a tendancy to bite and spin the pieces.


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount03.jpg


Next mark and drill 3 holes to accomodate the 3/16x2 1/2 screws, making sure to space the holes so that on the 9.5 inch piece of aluminum they are inset at the edges to allow for the plastic end caps. (this will vary depending on the size of your endcaps)


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount04.jpg

After drilling we can now remove the tape and use the screws to hold the two pieces together much better.


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount05.jpg

Make sure to put on a lock washer before bolting so that it keeps the pieces together tight.


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount06.jpg

Make sure those screws are tight, since we'll be drilling in between both pieces as each piece sandwiches teh headrest.

Use the headrest to position the holes.


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount07.jpg

When drilling these holes, be careful as the drill bit will have a tendancy to bite, kick and scream =o)


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount08.jpg

After drilling, you may or may not have what is shown here depending on how well you drilled the hole.

Most likely you'll have some stray edges and metal still covering part of the opening, this is where your dremel comes in handy to clear out all this area.

http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/...eramount09.jpg

After completition of that step, I decided to paint it, you can either paint it or leave it as is.

Another option is to add sticky foam to the area that will clamp around your headrest as to not *scratch* your headrest posts.


http://www.civicland.com/diy/images/camera/

The ends of the pieces are hollow and just as a finishing touch for both looks and safety is to put end caps in it. (wouldn't want to jab yourself with the open end of the pipe now would you?)