zkmusa
Member
Hopefully you will make a YouTube video of the install. It would be very helpful!
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Was initially planning to do it myself...but I can’t find a constant source of power
Akikiki
A'-Lo-HA ! y'all
Dear K, (I'm lazy). One of the most asked Dash cam in an X questions is where to get the windshield channel/what was used to hide the wires. Please and and report what/where your pro got that stuff. Best to you.
The installer used the same channel...removed it and placed the dashcam wires into it
I had Calibred Customs (who did my X install) come out for my 3 install today...I was there first 3 customer (they are traveling to the Bay Area tomorrow for additional installs).
I will have a full write up + video + pics soon but here is a summary:
- The install is more difficult than the X and S.
- They said everything is much better put together compared to the S and X.
- They did a super-clean job.
But unfortunately the power source we used (passenger footwell area) shuts down the power to the dashcam within 3 minutes of leaving the car
Any tips on alternative power sources? I am gonna have them comeback and fix this.
I will have a full write up + video + pics soon but here is a summary:
- The install is more difficult than the X and S.
- They said everything is much better put together compared to the S and X.
- They did a super-clean job.
But unfortunately the power source we used (passenger footwell area) shuts down the power to the dashcam within 3 minutes of leaving the car
Any tips on alternative power sources? I am gonna have them comeback and fix this.
insaneoctane
Well-Known Member
Did my front dash cam today. I don't have a lot of electrical knowledge, so I am waiting to hear what the solution for continuous power is. But, here are some panel removals I did for my routing to the center console 12V socket.
To see if we would get lucky again with an extra connector, I pulled down the hazard/dome lights housing. Its held up with 2 clips. No joy for any extra connectors there.
So, then I just did a route to my center console. I started at the center console end by taking off the trim piece on the passenger side of the console:
It is just attached with clips and wasn't hard to unpin. There are screws underneath for the center console assembly itself. They are a specialty bolt, but a T20 worked in them. So I took a few out to gain access under the silver trim piece.
You can see how I routed the 12V adapter by the little rubber pad, then under the trim piece. I then fed it up along the center console side, and around to the base of the glove box.
I originally left it like shown, but once the glovebox is closed, the wire kept falling out. So I used a panel tool to shove it under that bit of trim right below the glovebox hinge. Then I removed the small bit of trim next to the glove box
And routed the wire up into the A-Pillar. I pulled the A-pillar panel loose so that I could route the wires around the airbag. Used some teflon tape I had to secure the dash cam wire to the bundle already in the A-pillar and keep it clear of the airbag.
I then routed it across the headliner (big gap - easy), and to the dash cam mount which I have placed next to the AP housing.
Bah, I ended up mounting the camera upside down because I wanted it on the passenger side of the AP housing and still have access to the power cord (I have to unplug it where I work). Found there is no option to flip the video 180 on the front camera, so will just live with upside down video and will fix in post if I need.
To see if we would get lucky again with an extra connector, I pulled down the hazard/dome lights housing. Its held up with 2 clips. No joy for any extra connectors there.
So, then I just did a route to my center console. I started at the center console end by taking off the trim piece on the passenger side of the console:
It is just attached with clips and wasn't hard to unpin. There are screws underneath for the center console assembly itself. They are a specialty bolt, but a T20 worked in them. So I took a few out to gain access under the silver trim piece.
You can see how I routed the 12V adapter by the little rubber pad, then under the trim piece. I then fed it up along the center console side, and around to the base of the glove box.
I originally left it like shown, but once the glovebox is closed, the wire kept falling out. So I used a panel tool to shove it under that bit of trim right below the glovebox hinge. Then I removed the small bit of trim next to the glove box
And routed the wire up into the A-Pillar. I pulled the A-pillar panel loose so that I could route the wires around the airbag. Used some teflon tape I had to secure the dash cam wire to the bundle already in the A-pillar and keep it clear of the airbag.
I then routed it across the headliner (big gap - easy), and to the dash cam mount which I have placed next to the AP housing.
Bah, I ended up mounting the camera upside down because I wanted it on the passenger side of the AP housing and still have access to the power cord (I have to unplug it where I work). Found there is no option to flip the video 180 on the front camera, so will just live with upside down video and will fix in post if I need.
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Thanks for sharing...my installer is coming today to connect the constant power so I will share pics and video once the install is complete.
I am surprised you were able to open the hazard light compartment...we didn’t risk opening it over the fear of breaking something
carbonx
Member
We basically checked it all in the interior but can’t find anything that stays at 12V after the car goes to sleep. The best was 10V so we probably have to go to the frunk and tap into the battery
Created a video showcasing the dashcam install and the source of constant power.
carbonx
Member
Was it fairly easy to pop out the trim and center console? No special tools required?
Just a normal panel plastic tool for the "leather" trim. The metal bit was put on with screws that a Torx 20 fit into. So you would need some Torx (star) bits.
Thanks for this. If they aren't too expensive, I may have them do mine when I get the 3. They should have down pat after yours.
C141medic
Active Member
Are these the same people who did the install?
Installing a Tesla Model 3 dashcam solution from BlackVue Installing a Tesla Model 3 dashcam solution from BlackVue
voip-ninja
Give me some sugar baby
Glad you got it done I don't think I want to know what the price tag was.
I'll be waiting for the Tesla solution, complete with monthly fees, that makes use of the on-board cameras for this.
I'll be waiting for the Tesla solution, complete with monthly fees, that makes use of the on-board cameras for this.
Another super clean Blackvue 2-channel dashcam install completed by Johnny and Darius from Caliber Customs today. I believe I am their second Model 3 installation. I should thank MTG for being the first since now they know where to find the constant 12V power 
We had some interesting conversations like how they are going to be swamped and probably have to hire more people when Model 3 production finally ramp up. Also, they might not be able to do any custom work when Tesla switches to Low voltage wiring (no more 12V).
I also paid extra to get my Valentine One wired and mounted as well as adding the magnetic phone mount and wiring an extra lightning cable.
I used them last year to do the same 3 installs on my wife's Model X and they are great guys and I highly recommend them if you want your dashcam professionally installed.
We had some interesting conversations like how they are going to be swamped and probably have to hire more people when Model 3 production finally ramp up. Also, they might not be able to do any custom work when Tesla switches to Low voltage wiring (no more 12V).
I also paid extra to get my Valentine One wired and mounted as well as adding the magnetic phone mount and wiring an extra lightning cable.
I used them last year to do the same 3 installs on my wife's Model X and they are great guys and I highly recommend them if you want your dashcam professionally installed.
