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Installing a Dash Cam on a Convertible Car

When we ask people about their dream cars, one common answer we receive is a convertible. These vehicles certainly look cool, and nothing beats the visibility and the feel of the open road when you’re driving one!

Driving a convertible car has many pros, including ample headroom, open space, and the ability to enjoy the wind in your hair when the top is down. But it’s not just about looking cool – it’s also about safety. That’s why we believe protecting your convertible with a dash cam is a must.

The question is, can you install a dash cam in a car with a more complicated exterior like a convertible? Let’s find out.

Can I install a dash cam on my convertible car?

At first, you might assume that having a dash cam in a convertible is impossible because of its unique car body setup. To answer this question: Yes you can install a dash cam in your convertible car – but you may have to be more patient and creative than usual! Because of certain limitations, there are important factors to consider whe n you’re installing a dash cam into a convertible.

Things to consider when installing a dash cam on a convertible

Time

As an early disclaimer: convertibles are frequently more difficult to install due to a lack of a suitable rear camera mounting location. We had a few installations on convertibles way back, and the process is relatively different.  

Thus, it’s important that you have plenty of time and patience, especially especially if you're installing one for the first time. Get ready to tuck in cables and wires and loosen stuff if you want to maintain your car’s neat and cool looks!

Placement

Choosing the right location is crucial. While the front camera is not really much of an issue, the rear camera is. Oftentimes, we install the rear camera on the front windshield facing backwards, which provides excellent side and rear coverage.

We would have preferred to install the camera as near to the rear glass as possible to provide protection in the case of a rear impact, but that was not possible for this vehicle due to the need to fabricate a specific mount.

Temperature

If you're driving a convertible, you're probably not doing so in the snow or under the pouring rain, right? When the weather is bright and sunny, you probably have the top down. Therefore, whatever is on your window might quickly become hot.

While the wind improves ventilation to electrical components, you really can't avoid the sun, and dash cams have a big chance to overheat. With this, you have to make sure you check the dash cam's operating temperature.

What types of dash cams are recommended for convertibles?

Single-Channel Dash Cams

For convertibles, front-only dash cams are more common. Covering the front view is highly crucial as it records everything happening ahead of you. However, if you're looking to incorporate a secondary camera, you can go with a rear camera and mount it on your windshield the way you mount your IR camera.

Small and Screenless Dash Cams

In terms of size, a huge dash cam may not be the ideal choice for you. If you have a dash cam with an LCD screen for example, it will be a sparkling invitation to car thieves especially when your car is open. If you park in a shady area, there is nothing stopping someone from snatching your dash cam off your windshield and running away. So here, better get a BlackVue or a Thinkware.

IR Dash Cams

With the top off, we also recommend utilizing a front dash cam with an IR dash cam. A front dash cam and a cabin camera are standard configurations in ride-hailing vehicles. While the cabin camera is meant to capture only the car's interiors and passengers, the story is different in a convertible as the camera will capture everything outside the car as well.

Front and rear, maybe?

Again, we are not restricting you from getting a front and rear dash cam. You still can. Just consider that in most cases, the back seat of the convertible is fairly thin between the two rear headrests, so any mount is sure to come flying off when you get up to speed.

If you decide to go for a dual channel setup, then try to find a small, rear camera that can be mounted in your license plate, just like a normal backup camera would. Also, make sure the rear connecting cable can be tucked in a spot that will remain stationary even if you take the top down.

Mounting your dash cam on your convertible

We don’t recommend having a suction cup. Good thing modern and discreet dash cams – all the dash cams we carry - usually include mounting stickers.

Some people prefer a set-and-forget solution, while others want the ability to remove the dash cam and store it in the glove compartment while parked.

In general, we like to secure the camera with 3M tape, which is normally included with the dash cam. The tape will first make it more difficult for someone to steal the camera. Second, it is effective against significant vibrations, bumps, and wind, all of which are common in a convertible that drives rougher.

Got More Questions?

Not to fret, our in-house product experts are here to help. We have spent years curating helpful content and video guides, helping customers with their dash cams, but we understand that we can always do better. Contact us using the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. We love what we do, because we're here to help you make the most informed purchasing decision.