My GoPro mount dash cam solution

I recently finished installing my dash cam connected to the GoPro mount of my ‘18 Sport and wanted to share a step by step of the build

I have done quite a bit of research into how I wanted my dash cam mounted. A lot of people ask questions about utilizing the go pro mount. Unless the camera manufacturer has a solution, you are kind of stuck figuring it out on your own,which is what I ended up doing.

I had the windshield tinted in my truck due to Vegas summer heat and didn’t want to use adhesive on the tint, leaving the mount as my only option. Also, I am frugal (Read: cheap) and on a budget so wanted to do it as economically as possible. As with any good write up I’ve got to show the final product first



I decided to go with the Blueskysea B1S. It comes highly reccomended on dashcamtalk as a budget friendly, reliable camera with decent features.




To attach the camera to the mount I frankensteined as many Cheap Chinese plastic parts/screws as possible. I used ebay and Amazon and with free shipping on $2 items, it took about 2 months to get everything in




And this is another option (still on its way, not used in build)


I got the handle bar kit for the use of the extenders and thumb screws. And interestingly enough, the the actual bar mount screws could double as thumb screws as they have the same threads. I didn’t need them for anything now but have all the parts boxed up for a future project. I figured with the clip I could use no extender, short, or long. I ended up opting for the short extender to make sure the video cleared the mount/Center console and for the extra ability to adjust the angle since the camera only pivots along one axis

My first task was to grind off the threaded post on the mount. Here’s a Phillips bit for scale

Now is where I decide to make things more complicated than they need to be..... and also forgot to take photos for the following step

You may be wondering what that silver disk is.... well it’s a super strong neodymium magnet.

In all my NERDiness, I’ve got a decent collection of super powerful neodymium magnets. I decided to make a sort of “quick disconnect” system for removing my dash cam if desired. The B1S has 3m tape for attachment to the windshield (see the following picture I stole from an amazon review). Now, if you are a normal person without magnets lying around, just stick the camera to the now flat circular two-pronged GoPro mount. Or if you’re me, JB weld the magnet to the mount, then stick an opposing magnet to the 3m adhesive of the B1S mount




Now, I know what you’re all thinking at this point....

“Hey, *RunawayCow2*, arent neodymium super strong magnets like, super powerful... and the zinc coating on the brittle neodymium not durable enough to sustain the collision of two super strong magnets?”

Yes, you are correct. And in all my magnet-loving ways I have found Plasti-dip the perfect solution. Not the rattle can plasti dip, the thick molasses stuff that comes in a jar that you actually DIP stuff into. Also note that the container it comes in is METAL (remember, we’re working with magnets here....). I recommend dumping the PD into a class mason jar, and maybe even thinning it down for a more consistent texture.



Again.... more missing photos of the individual dipped camera mount and go pro mount magnets dipped.... it’s ok there’s more pictures.

After a few coats and making sure the mating surface of the dipped magnets is uniform, time for assembly!!







Now I need to tap into the rear view mirror keyed power and tuck up the wire. It’s currently dangling straight down to the cigarette outlet.

Good luck!

 

I like it! Very nice job! Prefer a dedicated dash cam over the Gopro and at that price? Thanks for the write up I just may have to borrow from your mod.
I'm not cheap but I plan on retiring in a little over 2 years and it would please my wife very much if I learned to squeeze the Buffalo on a nickle until it shits!

 

Great build! Already tinkering with the idea. I think for me the only thing I might do differently is trash a high speed drill and tap and use the threads on the mount to fasten the magnet. Other than that I don't think I'd change a single thing. I think you nailed it Bud.
I'm going to squeeze the shit out of that damn buffalo on this one. I can see the wife smiling already or was she shaking her head? Quote from my wife, "Damn Tacoma World!"

 

Yeah, the magnet addition is 100% unnecessary. Just get either 2 prong mount and lop off the stud and you’ve got a smooth surface to mount the camera.

HOWEVER!!

MANY dash cams come with alternative solutions and may even have a tripod mount already on them! May be worth looking into. every camera is different

 

I pretty much like the set up the way it is. A change here and there might happen in the transition but I don't see me changing much of anything. I won't even hardwire it. Easy on, easy off and in the glove box when not in use. Outta sight outta mind. Works for me!

 

How is the video quality on this camera? Please post a video..... need to upload to YouTube then post link. tia.