Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

harrij4 · 05-20-2019, 04:21 PM

Hey, just sharing a fun project I just started to convert my ash tray into a monitor for a backup camera. I can't see jack out of the back of my truck so I thought this would be a fun mod.

Essentially the ash tray will have a hinge in it so that when pulled out it will fold down and reveal the monitor.

Thoughts or ideas are welcome!

SeventyOne · 05-20-2019, 06:14 PM

Or can the the monitor be mounted to a hinge and flip up after pulling the tray out?

What back up camera/monitor are you using? Cool mod, I'm interested.

Where do you plan to mount the camera?

harrij4 · 05-20-2019, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeventyOne

Or can the the monitor be mounted to a hinge and flip up after pulling the tray out?

What back up camera/monitor are you using? Cool mod, I'm interested.

Where do you plan to mount the camera?

I looked at having the monitor flip down without having the whole ash-tray hinge down, but I think the faceplate of the ashtray will block the monitor. I also looked at having the monitor pop up out of the tray, but that seemed somehow less elegant. We'll see...

I'm using this esky monitor (recommended in a Wirecutter test).

I settled on this camera, but I haven't fully settled on a mounting location. My current plan is to drill a hole through the center of my (black) license plate and flush mount it. It should disappear. Backup option (no pun intended) is to go with one of the ones that mounts to a bar between license plate bolts.

**mrtoni** · 05-20-2019, 08:57 PM

Following

**Ol Blue K20** · 05-22-2019, 08:58 AM

Cool idea, I'm following along

harrij4 · 05-24-2019, 02:59 PM

Quick update on slow progress. I decided the best thing to do would be to scrap the idea of modifying the original display housing and 3D print a new one. So, step 1 was to make a model of the existing metal tray so that I could virtually test design and fit of the new bezel and housing.

With that finally done, now it's time to design the new bezel! One positive to this approach is that I can distribute the models for anyone who wants to repeat this mod and has access to a 3D printer.

simicrintz · 05-24-2019, 10:19 PM

That is just plain cool!!!!

**Ol Blue K20** · 05-25-2019, 07:31 AM

Nice job, that's a good idea.

harrij4 · 06-06-2019, 12:18 AM

More slow progress (because....life). Making the faceplate was a pain, but it's done. I'm going to make two different versions - one where the main tray is hinged toward the back and folds down to reveal the display, and another where the display pops up when the tray is pulled out. We'll see which turns out to be more compelling. And yes, the scale is a "bit" off on my renderings

**Blazerowner** · 06-06-2019, 12:43 AM

Any plans to make some extras? I have no access to a 3D printer.

harrij4 · 06-06-2019, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blazerowner

Any plans to make some extras? I have no access to a 3D printer.

Might do that. Either way I'm glad to make the .STL files available for people to print either on their own or through one of many online services. I'm going to try out a filament-style print, but that will likely require some body filler and paint. Otherwise these guys will make it out of Nylon for about $25.

For bonus points I have a contact at Markforged who can print in carbon fiber, titanium, and other metals. Totally unnecessary, but that's kinda the point!

**Android04** · 06-06-2019, 09:18 AM

Interesting... subscribed

**Blazerowner** · 06-07-2019, 12:29 AM

Unnecessary is always the route I take with my builds. I will be following for sure. I don’t smoke so this a perfect solution for me.

harrij4 · 06-11-2019, 01:11 PM

Another update:

I finished the "top-bezel" last night. This top shell will mate to the stock back shell from the screen I bought so that if there's a failure I can easily buy a new screen and bolt it in without a bunch of added fabrication.

**amcgeh01** · 06-16-2019, 01:17 AM

Nice, I am down for one as well... In fact if you can supply the whole thing as a package, I am super interested as I have a tire carrier in the back and can't see anything so I can't back into spots like I normally do..

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrij4

Another update:

I finished the "top-bezel" last night. This top shell will mate to the stock back shell from the screen I bought so that if there's a failure I can easily buy a new screen and bolt it in without a bunch of added fabrication.

**Blazerowner** · 06-11-2019, 10:15 PM

Nice, moving along fast.

**driller35** · 06-16-2019, 03:06 AM

subscribed ,excellent plan, I have 3D printer so can try printing in some different material when u have .stl ready

harrij4 · 06-18-2019, 12:06 PM

Thanks for the replies and subs! As you'll note, there were no pictures of the underside of that top bezel before - that's because it wasn't completed. The features required to constrain the actual display and mate to the back shell are obnoxiously detailed. Finally done and ready to print!

hemi43 · 06-18-2019, 02:48 PM

That thing is huge !! Almost a full lane wide.

harrij4 · 06-18-2019, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hemi43

That thing is huge !! Almost a full lane wide.

Who doesn't want a 65" backup camera monitor?

**driller35** · 06-18-2019, 07:39 PM

I must have wrong thread , I thought you meant a back up display Not a back bumper safe passing TV display bracket lol all joking aside , looks very impressive

harrij4 · 12-10-2019, 07:03 PM

After a long pause in this project, I finally have the assembly completed. I printed the bezel using FDM so I needed to bondo the surface and sand it smooth for finishing. After that I thermoformed some spare plastic to make mounting tabs so that the bezel could be bolted to the underside of the tray and relocated the three buttons to the bottom also. I ultimately decided NOT to have the monitor fold down since the viewing angle was OK as-is. All-in-all this was a fun project and it's nice to have a backup camera. Plus, having it hidden is a fun little surprise for passengers.

harrij4 · 12-10-2019, 07:04 PM

And the final assembly

SeventyOne · 12-11-2019, 03:12 PM

This is super cool. Would love the printer files if you want to give them out. Never #D printed anything but i can look at the vendors your recommended months ago.

Also what camera did you end up using? Got a pic of that and the view of the rear from on the monitor?

a6bigal · 12-15-2019, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrij4

And the final assembly

This is such a cool project! Thank you so much for sharing. Would
It be possible for you to please send me the files so I can have my son 3D print the requisite pieces and also share what monitor/camera system you used? I’m super excited to do this to my Blazer. If you could email to a6eholdings@gmail.com I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

05-20-2019, 04:21 PM	#1
harrij4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 127	Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Hey, just sharing a fun project I just started to convert my ash tray into a monitor for a backup camera. I can't see jack out of the back of my truck so I thought this would be a fun mod. Essentially the ash tray will have a hinge in it so that when pulled out it will fold down and reveal the monitor. Thoughts or ideas are welcome! Attached Images

05-20-2019, 06:14 PM	#2
SeventyOne Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oakland, Ca Posts: 1,382	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Or can the the monitor be mounted to a hinge and flip up after pulling the tray out? What back up camera/monitor are you using? Cool mod, I'm interested. Where do you plan to mount the camera?

05-20-2019, 08:57 PM	#4
mrtoni Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: sparks, nevada Posts: 1,881	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Following

05-22-2019, 08:58 AM	#5
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,243	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Cool idea, I'm following along __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

05-24-2019, 02:59 PM	#6
harrij4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 127	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Quick update on slow progress. I decided the best thing to do would be to scrap the idea of modifying the original display housing and 3D print a new one. So, step 1 was to make a model of the existing metal tray so that I could virtually test design and fit of the new bezel and housing. With that finally done, now it's time to design the new bezel! One positive to this approach is that I can distribute the models for anyone who wants to repeat this mod and has access to a 3D printer. Attached Images

05-24-2019, 10:19 PM	#7
simicrintz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Escondido Posts: 305	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion That is just plain cool!!!! __________________ -Bruce 1971 K5 Blazer 4WD

05-25-2019, 07:31 AM	#8
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,243	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Nice job, that's a good idea. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

06-06-2019, 12:18 AM	#9
harrij4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 127	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion More slow progress (because....life). Making the faceplate was a pain, but it's done. I'm going to make two different versions - one where the main tray is hinged toward the back and folds down to reveal the display, and another where the display pops up when the tray is pulled out. We'll see which turns out to be more compelling. And yes, the scale is a "bit" off on my renderings Attached Images

06-06-2019, 12:43 AM	#10
Blazerowner Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Yuba City, Ca Posts: 1,954	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Any plans to make some extras? I have no access to a 3D printer. __________________ Kirk 72 Blazer CST 4wd highlander

06-06-2019, 09:18 AM	#12
Android04 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 377	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Interesting... subscribed

06-07-2019, 12:29 AM	#13
Blazerowner Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Yuba City, Ca Posts: 1,954	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Unnecessary is always the route I take with my builds. I will be following for sure. I don’t smoke so this a perfect solution for me. __________________ Kirk 72 Blazer CST 4wd highlander Last edited by Blazerowner; 06-07-2019 at 12:35 AM.

06-11-2019, 01:11 PM	#14
harrij4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 127	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Another update: I finished the "top-bezel" last night. This top shell will mate to the stock back shell from the screen I bought so that if there's a failure I can easily buy a new screen and bolt it in without a bunch of added fabrication. Attached Images

06-11-2019, 10:15 PM	#16
Blazerowner Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Yuba City, Ca Posts: 1,954	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Nice, moving along fast. __________________ Kirk 72 Blazer CST 4wd highlander

06-16-2019, 03:06 AM	#17
driller35 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Calgary,AB Posts: 323	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion subscribed ,excellent plan, I have 3D printer so can try printing in some different material when u have .stl ready __________________ 72 Chev Cheyenne Super SB 4x4 350,4spd,buckets, tilt,tach,am-fm,extreme tow hooks,Canadian Model Production 1 of 52 SOLD 70 Chev CST, 350 auto, PS, PB, AC, tach

06-18-2019, 12:06 PM	#18
harrij4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 127	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion Thanks for the replies and subs! As you'll note, there were no pictures of the underside of that top bezel before - that's because it wasn't completed. The features required to constrain the actual display and mate to the back shell are obnoxiously detailed. Finally done and ready to print! Attached Images



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06-18-2019, 02:48 PM	#19
hemi43 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,523	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion That thing is huge !! Almost a full lane wide.

06-18-2019, 07:39 PM	#21
driller35 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Calgary,AB Posts: 323	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion I must have wrong thread , I thought you meant a back up display Not a back bumper safe passing TV display bracket lol all joking aside , looks very impressive __________________ 72 Chev Cheyenne Super SB 4x4 350,4spd,buckets, tilt,tach,am-fm,extreme tow hooks,Canadian Model Production 1 of 52 SOLD 70 Chev CST, 350 auto, PS, PB, AC, tach

12-10-2019, 07:03 PM	#22
harrij4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 127	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion After a long pause in this project, I finally have the assembly completed. I printed the bezel using FDM so I needed to bondo the surface and sand it smooth for finishing. After that I thermoformed some spare plastic to make mounting tabs so that the bezel could be bolted to the underside of the tray and relocated the three buttons to the bottom also. I ultimately decided NOT to have the monitor fold down since the viewing angle was OK as-is. All-in-all this was a fun project and it's nice to have a backup camera. Plus, having it hidden is a fun little surprise for passengers. Attached Images

12-10-2019, 07:04 PM	#23
harrij4 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Santa Barbara, CA Posts: 127	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion And the final assembly Attached Images

12-11-2019, 03:12 PM	#24
SeventyOne Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oakland, Ca Posts: 1,382	Re: Ash Tray Backup Camera Conversion This is super cool. Would love the printer files if you want to give them out. Never #D printed anything but i can look at the vendors your recommended months ago. Also what camera did you end up using? Got a pic of that and the view of the rear from on the monitor?

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