In-Car Camera Mount

[magilson]

I really wanted to make a headrest camera mount for my car so I can video tape my Autocross runs to help improve my habits.

Here's what I bought to make mine:

Lawrence Photo & Video

(1) Bogen 3232 Swivel Head $23.95



Westlake Ace Hardware

(1) Square Aluminum Tube 3/4" x 4' $9.99
(2) "U" Bolt 1/4" x 3/4" x 1-1/2" $1.29 Ea
(1 ft.) Vinyl Tubing 3/16" $0.19 per ft.
(1) 1/4"x20 1-1/4" Hex Head Bolt $0.13
(1) 1/4 washer $0.06

Total: 36.90 + tax

Result!





With this installation I was able to keep my headrest at normal height. My real question was if I need a second method for securing the camera. When I first started looking into this I read a few SCCA regions that had rules about in-car cameras. Most required a second method of retention. In many cases they allowed the camera strap to be that method so long as it was securely mounted to the camera mount as well.

What does the SCCA or OMR require?

EDIT: This is all I could find...

"3.3.3 Safety Inspections
B. Inspection Requirements
1) All loose items, inside and outside the car, must be removed. Passenger’s seat back and squab shall be secured. Video cameras, if installed, must be securely mounted to withstand loads from driving maneuvers. The camera may be installed either inside or on the outside of the car. In either case, its mounting method and position must not interfere with driving or pose an additional hazard to driver, passenger, or course workers."

So I guess once one of the tech inspectors yanks on it to make sure it's secure then I should be okay?

[f1race79]

I have one like yours except I put it on the passenger headrest.
I just have a bolt thru it and mount camera on bolt, do get some vibration.
I might try one of the the swivel heads, it would be easier to adjust and maybe take out some of the vibration.
I have use it a several sites and no complaints yet.

[magilson]

I have one like yours except I put it on the passenger headrest.
I just have a bolt thru it and mount camera on bolt, do get some vibration.
I might try one of the the swivel heads, it would be easier to adjust and maybe take out some of the vibration.
I have use it a several sites and no complaints yet.

I found that I could minimize most if not all of the vibration by mounting it from my seat so my body weight would help. I don't think mounting it off the passenger seat is really even an option considering how much it vibrates just driving down the road with no one occupying it.

I chose the swivel head just because I knew my square stock would sit at an angle so I needed the adjustment for level and tilt. I love it so far and can't wait to test it during an event!

[springfielddyno]

should be fine for safety... a wiggle test will work

sam

[neil]

I currently run one the same way, it doesnt do too bad on vibration.

i can link to some sample video of mine if you like

[magilson]

I currently run one the same way, it doesnt do too bad on vibration.

i can link to some sample video of mine if you like

I've done some testing with my camera through rough roads and some open parking lots switchbacks. I have to see I'm very pleased. Only change I made was the use four wing-nuts in place of the regular nuts to allow me to take it in and out quickly.

[drivehard]

You know, I was just here thinking how I was going to do mine, and well, here I go. Yippy!!!

[drivehard]

I did mine pretty much the same way, but I bought a 1"X4' square tube, and a Manfrotto 3232 swivel mount. The mount was about $27.00 shipped from amazon.com.

Buy the way, it is made in Italy!