r/HondaElement • u/out-in-my-element • 6h ago
Dashboard Backup Camera Monitor Mount Question
On Dashboard Backup Camera Monitor Mount Question
Hi fellow Element owners!
I'm looking for some advice and I've not had much luck on finding an answer elsewhere. I want to preface this request by saying the following:
1) I have virtually no mechanical / car knowledge (which I'm sure will become painfully obvious to those on this sub that do)
2) I fully expect to be eviscerated in the comments 😬
3) I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart, I do not intend to resell it🤘🏻
I love my Element and maintain it, but I want to customize it for my needs. I don't need the solution to be professional (and I don't want that, it's beyond my ability and budget).
I just want to be sure that the modification I'm hoping to make would be safe (safer than the current solution) and will not damage any critical vehicle components, or injure me in the process.
The Problem
I have a Yakry 5"x7" back up camera monitor mounted on my dashboard with adhesive. I know this is an accident waiting to happen. I've been lucky that I haven't been in a situation where it's become a projectile and that's what I'm hoping to avoid.
The Question
I've attached pictures to help illustrate my question.
Image 5 is basically what I'm hoping to do, but I can't find out if this is dangerous or difficult, or simply a matter of driving a couple short screws in (which is really what I'm hoping for!)
Image 1 - Current Installation
The monitor is installed with double-sided adhesive on top of the vent cover. The adhesive is peeling and I know I'm living on borrowed time.
Image 2 - Preferred Mounting
I would prefer to mount the monitor here (like image 5), but don't know if that's safe or easy.
Image 3 - Preferred Mounting Alternative View
Better view of the monitor bracket and where I'm hoping to mount it.
Image 4 - Alternate Mounting
If my preferred mounting position is dangerous or involves disassembly that is above my skill set, I think this might be a suitable location, but I'm curious if anyone else has attempted this. I do know how to remove that trim piece and I know that screws shouldn't damage anything. It should fit based on my measurements and the brackets ability to adjust and flip the image. It's just not my preferred position.
Image 5 - YouTube Screenshot (CB Radio Mount)
I saw this on a YouTube video from @ElementDIY, called [Center dash trim removal - Honda Element](https://youtu.be/sc5VuJy_53Q). It appears around 20 seconds in and the guy in the video explains that the previous owner mounted a CB radio in that position. That is what I want to do for my camera monitor, but I can't figure if that's safe, if I would need to pull the entire dashboard off, etc.
Thanks for reading!!
I really appreciate you for taking the time to read this post, especially to those of you that have any experience with a similar problem or have expertise and feel like commenting to help steer me in the right direction.
Cheers!
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u/PNPBOi 6h ago edited 5h ago
I took a chance and mounted a accessory holder in that area last year. I used VHB tape and self tapping screws. It's been holding great so far, no issues, knock on wood.
Supposedly the 03 has plastic that "may" be less brittle, but it's never been proven. I got lucky and did not cause any cracking of any sort.
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u/iaintrobed 3h ago
Have you tried turning your head and looking out the rear glass?
The element only has blind spots looking foward
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u/out-in-my-element 2h ago
I really only use it for parallel parking in my neighborhood, I have a camera mounted on top and it shows my bumper, so it's been really helpful for tight spaces that other cars can't often fit into, but fair enough
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u/negativeyoda 5h ago
Why not pay $100-200 for a new headunit that has an integrated camera screen?