Inexpensive Front Parking Camera System

[5.0ALM]

I posted this a week or so ago in my own "What's in ALM's garage thread" for the local Aussies that follow me, but thought it may be worth a topic of it's own, as those in other markets might consider implementing something similar.


Front Parking Camera

I'm using a wireless reverse camera system as a front camera.
Wireless means there are no hassles getting cable through the firewall.

The camera system itself is inexpensive and works well, but some custom brackets had to be knocked up.
This was easy, using some scrap aluminium pieces that were on hand, and basic handy man tools.

Amazon - Wireless reversing camera kit - affiliate link (I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)
https://amzn.to/4kFyzIR

It was AUD$50 (USD$33) when I purchased it back in March 2025, but is AUD$40 at the time of writing.


The following Aussie store links are provided to show the items I used, but look for alternatives local to you.

Autobarn - Looming Tape
https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn...r-Builders-Underbody-Tape-19mm---UBT/p/142430

Autobarn - M6 Flange Head Bolts
https://autobarn.com.au/ab/Autobarn...-Flange-Head-Bolt-M6-x-16mm---FBM21/p/SP76970

Super Cheap Auto - Gloss Black Enamel Spray Paint
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/polycraft-polycraft-metal-cover-gloss-black-300g/683480.html


See the camera?

The camera mounted to the home-brew camera mount, sprayed in gloss black enamel.

I think my mount blends in quite well, considering.
It could have been finessed more, but I just wanted to get it done.

It's held in place with 3M VHB double-sided tape.


This provides a good comparison between the supplied number plate bracket, their butterfly bracket, and my own home-brew butterfly mount.

You can see the extra down tilt required to get the result I achieved.
Corners could be cut if you can use the supplied brackets, but it's worth the effort making your own and getting it just right.


A wireless system eliminates any hassles trying to pass cables through the firewall.

I think the battery is located here on LHD vehicles, so you'd need to mirror this or find an alternative spot.
It is handy having the fuse box nearby to power the camera and transmitter though.

With the number plate at the bottom of the screen, the camera's FOV (field of view) placed the horizon (top of the screen) at about 1.8 meters away.
That just under 6 feet in imperial.

This is a good range for parking.

Granted, not as elegant as an OEM integrated system using the center screen, but it certainly does the job!

And it's better than nothing.

At the end of the day, it was two afternoon's worth of work using basic handyman tools most of us already have and some pieces of scrap aluminium to fabricate the brackets.



Aside from being over a solid week of editing (I'm not joking), this video runs 29 minutes.
I think I cover absolutely everything involved in this video, but apply any changes to suit your own circumstances.

Aside from bracket fabrication and installation, I discuss the unproven $$$ aftermarket solutions, why I don't use my phone as the display, and show three different parking demonstrations.

Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy.




I've been using this for several weeks now, and wouldn't be without it.
Ford should have ( ) implemented a front camera that is found in other Sync4 equipped vehicles, like with the higher-trim level Ranger and Everest we get in Australia.

Now I want something similar in my daily driver!


And finally, a shout out to @roket for providing feedback on the project, and putting me onto the looming tape.
It does help finish off the job nicely.


Hope this helps provide inspiration to others.

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[POHLHAMMER]

What is the need for having this , Poor depth perception ?
I cannot fathom why this is such a game changer for you , that you now need it in your daily. Or how can you stand looking at that hideous monitor stuck to your windshield.

Having said that , you did a nice job ,
I just don't understand the need. Very good writeup for those that do want this.

I'm used to driving trucks , so when I hop in the Mustang it seems like a go cart to me , so I never think about blind spots being a thing.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

What is the need for having this , Poor depth perception ?
I cannot fathom why this is such a game changer for you , that you now need it in your daily. Or how can you stand looking at that hideous monitor stuck to your windshield.

Having said that , you did a nice job ,
I just don't understand the need. Very good writeup for those that do want this.

I'm used to driving trucks , so when I hop in the Mustang it seems like a go cart to me , so I never think about blind spots being a thing.

Until you come drive the Mustang in Europe and find yourself having a huge car for very thight spots.

 

[mabcim]

This is a great mod.
Since other sync 4 systems have 360°, I’m wondering if there is way this could be connected to the sync 4 head unit, and use Forscan to active it?

 

[GrabThatBlue]

This is a great mod.
Since other sync 4 systems have 360°, I’m wondering if there is way this could be connected to the sync 4 head unit, and use Forscan to active it?

Nope, not yet.

 

[POHLHAMMER]

Until you come drive the Mustang in Europe and find yourself having a huge car for very thight spots.

That makes more sense I guess. I'm spoiled living in the country.. That's funny you calling it a huge car.

Definitely two totally different worlds..

 

[GrabThatBlue]

That makes more sense I guess. I'm spoiled living in the country.. That's funny you calling it a huge car.

Definitely two totally different worlds..

Yup. We have parking spots that don't even fit a VW Golf in Europe. So a Mustang is huge.

 

[mabcim]

Nope, not yet.

You don’t think there are unused connection points on the sync 4 unit?
I know there are some camera settings in Forscan, just never looked into them closely.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

Say hello to my country @POHLHAMMER

 

[GrabThatBlue]

You don’t think there are unused connection points on the sync 4 unit?
I know there are some camera settings in Forscan, just never looked into them closely.

Forscan is great, but it's not magic.

 

[POHLHAMMER]

@GrabThatBlue That's cozy !!

I wasn't using my critical thinking skills when responding, and was thinking pure American..

Here's the most recent Pic I have of ours, which made me appreciate the differences. This is our camp site that takes over 4 hrs to drive to and thats not even leaving our home state. It's a 10+hrs drive top to bottom of Wisconsin.

I could see how having a front camera integrated into the car being very nice.

Im actually kinda shocked FORD doesn't have a solution in 2025..

 

[GrabThatBlue]

@GrabThatBlue That's cozy !!

I wasn't using my critical thinking skills when responding, and was thinking pure American..

Here's the most recent Pic I have of ours, which made me appreciate the differences. This is our camp site that takes over 4 hrs to drive to and thats not even leaving our home state. It's a 10+hrs drive top to bottom of Wisconsin.

I could see how having a front camera integrated into the car being very nice.

Im actually kinda shocked FORD doesn't have a solution in 2025..

I see that pickup in the background. The government wants to ban those cars from the cities because they don't fit.

 

[synster]

I had a 2016 GT and have ordered a 2025; still can't undestand why you can't have 360 cameras on a $70k Mustang. Especially on a car that rides low and hitting curbs, espcially when you install a custom splitter, is a daily risk.

BTW, keep the bashing off this forum.

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