Reverse Camera - where have you mounted them?

[p3eps]

Nice idea - but unfortunately in the real world some tea leafing gypo will see that numberplate cam and rob it!

I got my new boot switch yesterday - which I didnt realise was metal!
I have taken all the insides off my boot (without breaking a single clip  ) and had a good look at how much space I have to play with (heaps!).
I've ordered a flush fit camera - so once that arrives I'll drill into my boot switch and mount the camera.
I've measured that it needs to open about 40mm and that it needs about 3 pounds of force to open it - so I need to get a solenoid powerful enough to do this.  I can't see any 40mm solenoids, but can get a 15-20mm one and hinge it so that it opens.

I'll keep you updated with my progress and take piccys as I go along!

[SteveP]

Good luck p3eps 

Did you see if it's possible to adjust the point at which the boot opens on the switch or is this pre-set?

Also did you get a VW badge with the lock, if so do you want to sell it?

[p3eps]

Good luck p3eps 

Did you see if it's possible to adjust the point at which the boot opens on the switch or is this pre-set?

Also did you get a VW badge with the lock, if so do you want to sell it?

It may be possible to adjust it - but I think it would be down to shaving bits of plastic off the mechanism.  I think I'll just stick with you're relay idea as it seems much simpler.

I did get another VW badge - but I'm going to keep it as I'm gonna try doing it black! (which is what I guess you want it for?)
It looks like it'll be a bit of a pain to get the badge off though as it has multiple clips.
I can't believe what a bargain I got with that boot handle - 99p + £5 postage.  I'd put in a max bid of £31 and no-one else bid 

[SteveP]

Thats a bargin at that price. 

I have already painted mine black and will be getting the C/F ones on the groupbuy but was on the look out for a spare for the future.

The badge does come off quite easily, I used an old plastic card to slowly work it open all the way around. 

[p3eps]

Today a guy at work brought me in a solenoid he had lying about.
Its a 12V central locking mechanism from an old BMW 318 - which has never been used.  I noticed you can pick up similar non-branded ones on eBay for about £7 inc postage.  I tested it with a 12V supply and it seemed pretty powerful.  It goes about 22mm - which will hopefully be enough... but I can always hinge it if not.
Now I just need to wait for my camera to arrive and I can get it mounted into my boot handle and try experimenting a bit.
I still need to order a decent 12V relay for turning off the boot switch though - but this should only cost a couple of £'s.

So far so good