Originally posted on May 27, 2021

 

Odds are, if you’re reading this, you have an older car you love, and you’re not planning on replacing it anytime soon. Simultaneously, however, you want the modern features that a backup camera provides. Luckily for you, you don’t have to buy a new car, you can just put a backup camera on the existing car. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how far back automakers have been offering backup cameras—meaning the technology is well-proven and ready for your classic ride.

Can a backup camera be added to an old car?

If you’ve got an older vehicle, you’re likely asking yourself: can I connect a backup camera to my car's head unit? If you need to get a camera into your vehicle's head, that is totally possible, especially if you locate and add one of our kits. You can browse the different models here. It's also worth noting that backup cameras became mandatory for new vehicles in 2018—if your car predates this requirement, adding one is a smart safety upgrade.

Is installing a backup camera worth it?

Absolutely—and the numbers make a compelling case. According to federal data, approximately 210 people die and 15,000 are injured each year in backup accidents. Even more sobering: roughly 31% of those fatalities are children under age 5. These tragedies happen in driveways, parking lots, and other everyday places where a simple camera could make the difference.

Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that rearview cameras reduce police-reported backing crashes by 16%—that's roughly one crash prevented out of every six. For drivers 70 and older, the benefit is even greater, with backing crashes reduced by approximately 40%. The IIHS also found that backup cameras cut the rear blind zone—where a small child could be completely hidden from view—by about 90%.

When you weigh a backup camera installation cost of $150 to $400 against thousands in potential repair bills, medical expenses, or liability claims from a single backing accident, the investment is a no-brainer. For a deeper look at the safety benefits, cost savings, and everyday advantages, read our full guide: Is a Backup Camera in Your Vehicle Worth the Extra Cost?

How to Add a Backup Camera to Your Older Car

Step 1: Get the Right Camera

The first thing you want to make sure you do is ensure that you’re getting the right type of camera. Side view cameras are going to be a bit different from rear view cameras, but overall, the principles are the same. 

Camera Source offers a huge selection of high quality automotive cameras and accessories (reverse, front and side, bluetooth, heavy duty, and more!) for all the popular manufacturers:

• Ford backup cameras

• GM backup cameras

• Dodge backup cameras

• Toyota backup cameras

If you can’t find a camera that’s designed for your specific vehicle, that’s not the end of the road. We have universal cameras that will work well on many vehicles, you just need to find the right one for your car. Make sure you determine where the mounting point will be. 

The Best Aftermarket Backup Cameras

Depending on what you’re looking for, there are plenty of aftermarket options that are very effective. The important factor to consider is how you want to mount the camera, as there are several camera mounting options available.

Backup Camera Mounting Options: 

• Surface-Mounted Cameras - Just as the name implies, surface-mounted cameras can be mounted on any external surface. Most of these cameras are mounted high up on the back of RVs, maximizing your depth perception. These types of cameras work better if you’re looking for a wireless backup camera for 5th wheel RV.

• Flush-Mounted Cameras - Flush mounted cameras have a limited bezel so they can’t be seen poking out of the vehicle. However, these cameras often require a little more work for installation to be effective. 

• License-Mounted Cameras - License plates are the perfect spot to mount a backup camera, as they have readymade holes for installation. Your license plate already has a hole, so you don’t need to modify your car by drilling a new one for this camera. Your backup camera will be close to the road if you choose this option, which may prompt some lens cleaning once in a while. It can also be a great spot for a wireless rear view camera.

• Backup cameras with universal mount screens - Usually, a backup camera monitor will be mounted in the console or head of the vehicle for easy viewing, and this is often an easier installation method. Some monitors can be installed just about anywhere in the vehicle to meet your preference. 

• Backup cameras with mirror screens - Replacing a rear view mirror with a backup camera installation is more of a luxury choice, but can look very nice and enhance the overall ease of use. 

Wired vs. Wireless Backup Cameras for Older Cars

Choosing between wired and wireless backup cameras is one of the most important decisions you'll make—and for older vehicles, the decision involves a few extra considerations. Unlike modern cars with integrated infotainment systems and standardized wiring harnesses, older vehicles often require more creative solutions. If you're unsure which type suits your driving style and vehicle best, our in-depth comparison of wired, wireless, and smartphone backup camera options can help you decide.

For most older vehicle owners, the choice comes down to your priorities:

• Choose wired if you want maximum reliability, the best picture quality, and don't mind a more involved installation. Wired systems work exceptionally well in older cars with straightforward electrical systems and accessible interiors.

• Choose wireless if preserving your car's original character is paramount, you want a quick DIY install, or you're on a tighter budget. Wireless is also ideal if you want an easily reversible upgrade.

Step 2: Assemble the Right Tools

When it comes to tools, you want to make sure that you have everything you need, as it will be incredibly frustrating to not have the necessary tools when you’re doing something delicate or have exposed the wiring of your car. 

Your backup camera will likely come with the necessary cables (usually camera and monitor female/male RCA cords with connectors for video, power cables, ground wires, and potentially a trigger wire). If not, you’ll probably need to purchase these, and most can be found at a hardware or A/V store. Lastly, a crimper or wire stripper will be useful to have on hand.

Every car and camera kit will be a bit different, but generally speaking, you should be covered if you have the following tools on hand:

• Hand drill with drill bits for drilling metal (preferable high speed bits coated with titanium oxide)

• Torx set

• Wrench Set

• Safety Goggles

• Flashlights

• Standard wire stripper/crimper

• Torx socket set

• Razor knife

• Socket or nut runner set

• Trim removal tool or small plastic putty knife

• Soldering iron and solder (optional)

• Shrink tube (optional)

Finally, if your kit didn’t come with one, you’ll need to purchase a monitor, but it helps to figure out the next step before doing so.

Step 3: Prepare the Installation Area

Your backup camera is most likely going to be installed just above or on your license plate. 

1. Remove the interior panel of your trunk. This is likely hard plastic or rubber, and you should be able to use a tool like a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. This won’t break anything, and it will give you a good look at all the cables necessary. Most things can be finessed out, if you’re snapping plastic you’re getting too aggressive during the install.

2. Remove your license plate.

3. Making sure you’re not going to cut any existing cables, drill a hole from the exterior side of your trunk that will be large enough to run the necessary cables through. You’ll add your license plate back later, but it’s a good idea to make sure that if you’re going to be installing the camera over the plate that you won’t be blocking your license plate number.

4. Insert the rubber grommet you bought earlier. Now you’re ready to start running and connecting wires.

Step 4: Running & Connecting Wires

Here’s where we start to figure out how to power a backup camera. 

1. Run the camera and power cable through the hole into the interior of your car.

2. Locate the reverse light wires for your car. This is a tricky step, and you want to make sure that you do a good job. This is how to connect a backup camera to the reverse light. Make sure to double check your owners manual to ensure you’ve located the right one.

3. Strip the positive and negative wires on your reverse lights (make sure your car is powered off before you do this). Using a small screwdriver, separate some of the strands of the stripped wire, and splice in the power cable for your backup camera to them. Usually you can do this by looping the wires together. Make sure positive is connected to positive and negative is connected to negative. Once you’ve done this, cover everything in electrical tape.

4. Connect the RCA cable to the camera’s cable, and run it all from the trunk to the fuse box area at the front of the car. This is usually located to the bottom left of the steering wheel. You can conceal the cable underneath the ceiling panels of your vehicle if you want to peel them back, or if you don’t care about aesthetics, just attach it to the ceiling of your car.

Step 5: Mount the Monitor

Next step is mounting your monitor. It may be one that mounts to your rearview mirror, or one that mounts to your dashboard. In either event, following the mounting instructions that come with the device is your best bet. If you find yourself needing technical support, Camera Source is here to help, and you can also reference our backup camera installation guide for extra tips.

1. Connect the RCA cable to the RCA output on the monitor. You may also need to run a trigger wire up to your monitor, or even power it through the same source as the backup camera. (Again models will vary.)

2. If the monitor requires it, you’ll likely need to install a fuse tap, which will allow you to connect the bare wiring of your monitor to the power of your fuse box. See the guide linked above for good instructions on how to do this.

Step 6: Mount the Camera

Get excited, because we’re on the home stretch. All you need to do now is mount the camera itself to the back of your license plate or trunk, connect the RCA and power wires to the monitor and you should be ready to go!

Backup Camera FAQ

Upgrading an older car with a new piece of equipment will likely prompt a few questions. Below are some of the most common questions people have when adding a backup camera to their car. 

1. How much does it cost to install a rear view camera?

Depending on the type of camera, you can expect a new camera to cost between $200 and $400, with the more expensive ones being those that are included in a rear view mirror. For a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay—including professional installation fees—check out our guide on how much it costs to get a backup camera installed. We have a complete selection of high quality backup cameras, as well as other accessories to enhance your driving experience. 

The total cost to add a backup camera to an older vehicle typically ranges from $150 to $500, though it can vary based on your equipment choices and whether you DIY or hire a professional.

Equipment Costs:

• Basic backup camera kits (camera + wiring, no monitor): $30–$100

• Camera kits with standalone monitor: $80–$200

• Mirror-mounted display systems: $100–$300

• Premium systems with DVR recording, multiple cameras, or CarPlay/Android Auto integration: $200–$500+

Professional Installation Costs:

• Labor only (if you provide the camera): $75–$200

• Full installation (parts + labor): $150–$400 for standard setups

• Complex installations (custom wiring, integration with existing head unit, or older vehicles requiring extra work): $400–$600+

DIY vs. Professional:

For older car owners comfortable with basic automotive work, DIY installation can save $100–$200 in labor costs. Wireless camera kits are particularly DIY-friendly—many can be installed in under an hour. Wired systems require routing cables through your vehicle's interior (typically 2–4 hours for a first-timer), but older cars often have more accessible body panels and simpler electrical systems than modern vehicles, which can actually make installation easier.

Budgeting Tips for Older Vehicle Owners:

• Factor in the cost of tools if you don't already own wire strippers, crimpers, and a drill.

• Consider whether you need a new monitor or can integrate with an existing head unit.

• License plate-mounted cameras often require the least modification to your vehicle.

• A universal camera kit paired with a basic monitor is typically the most cost-effective route for pre-2010 vehicles.

For a comprehensive breakdown of pricing factors, check out our guide on how much it costs to get a backup camera installed.

2. Which is better: parking sensors or a backup camera?

For most older vehicle owners, a backup camera is the better choice—and the research backs this up.

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that drivers using only a backup camera avoided collisions more often than those using only parking sensors or even both systems combined. In the study, drivers with cameras hit a child-sized obstacle 56% of the time, while those using only parking sensors collided 90% of the time. Interestingly, drivers using both systems hit the obstacle 75% of the time—researchers theorized that sensors may create a false sense of security, causing drivers to pay less attention to the camera display.

Here's how the two technologies compare:

Why cameras work better for older vehicles:

For classic car owners and enthusiasts, backup cameras offer a significant advantage: they can be installed without drilling holes in your bumper. A license plate-mounted camera uses your existing plate holes and preserves your vehicle's original appearance. Parking sensors, by contrast, require drilling 4–8 holes in your rear bumper—a permanent modification that many older car owners prefer to avoid.

The best of both worlds:

If budget allows, combining both technologies provides the most comprehensive coverage. The camera gives you a clear visual, while sensors can detect objects outside the camera's field of view (like a low post at the corner of your bumper). Some aftermarket backup camera monitors can integrate sensor alerts directly on the display.

That said, if you're choosing one or the other for your older car, a backup camera delivers more safety benefits for less modification to your vehicle.

3. How do you keep a wireless backup camera on all the time?

Standard backup cameras are designed to activate only when you shift into reverse—they draw power from your reverse light circuit, which turns on briefly during backing maneuvers. But some drivers want their camera running continuously while driving, particularly for towing, monitoring traffic behind them, or keeping an eye on cargo.

Here are three methods to keep your backup camera on all the time, ranked from simplest to most involved:

Method 1: Wire to an Ignition-Switched Power Source (Recommended)

This is the safest and most practical approach for older vehicles. Instead of connecting the camera's power wire to your reverse lights, connect it to a power source that's active only when the ignition is on—like an accessory circuit in your fuse box or your cigarette lighter socket (if it turns off with the key).

• Pros: Camera runs whenever the car is on; no risk of draining your battery when parked; relatively simple installation

• Cons: Requires identifying the correct ignition-switched circuit in your vehicle

Method 2: Install a Manual Switch

Run the camera's power through a toggle switch mounted on your dashboard. This gives you complete control—flip it on when you want the camera, flip it off when you don't.

• Pros: Maximum flexibility; you decide exactly when the camera runs

• Cons: Requires mounting a switch; risk of forgetting to turn it off and draining your battery

Method 3: Wire to Constant 12V Power

Connect the camera directly to your vehicle's battery or a constant-power fuse slot so it's always receiving power—even when the engine is off.

• Pros: Camera is truly "always on" and can function as a parking monitor

• Cons: Will drain your battery if the car sits for more than 1–2 days; only recommended if combined with a parking monitor system that manages power consumption

Important Considerations for Older Vehicles:

• Monitor compatibility: Your monitor must also receive power and display the camera feed while driving. Some monitors are designed to show the camera only in reverse—check your monitor's settings or documentation.

• Trigger wire: Many monitors use a "trigger wire" connected to the reverse lights to know when to display the camera. If you want always-on viewing, you may need to wire the trigger to the same ignition-switched power source as the camera.

• Battery health: Older vehicles sometimes have aging batteries. An always-on camera adds a small but continuous power draw. If your battery is already marginal, consider upgrading it before installing an always-on system.

For most older car owners, Method 1 (ignition-switched power) offers the best balance of convenience and practicality—your camera activates automatically when you start the car and shuts off when you turn off the ignition, protecting your battery while giving you rearview visibility whenever you're driving.

4. Will a backup camera help eliminate blind spots? 

Yes—backup cameras are specifically designed to eliminate the dangerous blind zone directly behind your vehicle, which is the area your mirrors and over-the-shoulder glances simply cannot cover.

The rear blind zone problem: Every vehicle has a rear blind zone—the area directly behind the bumper that the driver cannot see from the driver's seat. Depending on your vehicle's size and design, this zone can extend 10 to 25 feet behind the car and hide anything waist-height or lower. This is why backover accidents are so dangerous: a small child, pet, or low obstacle can be completely invisible to a driver who's checked their mirrors and looked over their shoulder.

What the research shows: According to IIHS research, backup cameras reduce the rear blind zone by approximately 90%. That's a dramatic improvement in visibility that mirrors and head checks alone cannot achieve. The study also found that rearview cameras reduce police-reported backing crashes by 16% overall—and for drivers 70 and older, the reduction jumps to approximately 40%.

For older vehicle owners: Older cars often have larger rear blind zones than modern vehicles because of their design—think smaller rear windows, higher trunk lids, or limited mirror adjustment range. This makes a backup camera even more valuable. Drivers who've relied on the "arm over the seat, turn your head" method for decades will find that a camera reveals obstacles they never knew were hidden.

Beyond reversing: If you wire your backup camera to stay on while driving (see FAQ #3), it can also function as a rear-view camera that helps with lane changes, monitoring traffic behind you, and keeping an eye on cargo or a trailer. However, for true side blind spot coverage, you'd need dedicated side-view cameras or blind spot monitoring sensors—these are separate systems from a standard backup camera.

Bottom line: A backup camera won't eliminate every blind spot on your vehicle, but it will dramatically reduce the most dangerous one—the zone directly behind you where children, pets, and obstacles are most likely to be hidden. For older vehicles that lack modern safety tech, it's one of the single most effective upgrades you can make.

5. Can I store video from my backup camera in my iCloud photo library?

Standard backup cameras are designed for real-time viewing only—they display what's behind you when you shift into reverse but don't record or store footage. If you want to save video for later review or insurance purposes, you'll need a backup camera system with built-in DVR (digital video recorder) functionality.

If recording capability matters to you, consider a combined dash cam/backup camera system from the start. These all-in-one units eliminate the need for separate devices and ensure you're always capturing what happens behind your vehicle—whether you're backing up or cruising down the highway.

6. Will my rearview camera work with Android Auto?

The short answer is: it depends on your head unit, not on Android Auto itself.

Android Auto is a smartphone mirroring system—it displays apps from your phone (like Google Maps, Spotify, and messaging) on your car's infotainment screen. It doesn't directly control your backup camera. Instead, your backup camera connects to your head unit (the stereo/display in your dashboard), which temporarily interrupts the Android Auto display to show the camera feed when you shift into reverse.

Here's what you need to know:

• If you have a compatible aftermarket head unit that supports both Android Auto and a backup camera input (most modern units do), the system will automatically switch from Android Auto to the camera view when you engage reverse. Once you shift out of reverse, Android Auto returns to the screen. The two systems coexist but operate independently.

• If you're using a portable CarPlay/Android Auto screen (the kind that clips to your dashboard or windshield), many of these units include a dedicated backup camera input. When you connect a compatible camera and wire it to your reverse lights, the screen will display the camera feed when you back up.

• If you're running Android Auto on your phone screen only (without a head unit), integrating a backup camera is more complicated and typically requires a separate display for the camera or a specialized app with a Wi-Fi-enabled camera—an approach that introduces lag and isn't recommended for safety-critical reversing.

For the smoothest experience, choose an aftermarket head unit or portable screen that explicitly supports both Android Auto and an AV input for a backup camera. Camera Source offers monitors and integration kits designed to work seamlessly with your existing infotainment setup.

7. Can't find your exact vehicle?

No problem—this is actually one of the most common situations for older car owners, and the solution is simpler than you might think.

If Camera Source doesn't carry a vehicle-specific backup camera kit for your exact year, make, and model, you have several excellent options:

• Universal backup cameras are designed to fit virtually any vehicle with a standard license plate or flat mounting surface. These cameras use common RCA video connections that work with most monitors and head units. Our universal backup camera collection includes license plate-mounted, flush-mount, and surface-mount options that adapt to nearly any car, truck, SUV, or van.

• License plate frame cameras are particularly popular for older vehicles because they require zero drilling or permanent modifications. The camera integrates into a standard license plate bracket, making installation straightforward and reversible—ideal if you want to preserve your classic car's originality.

• Similar model year kits often work across multiple vehicles. For example, a camera designed for a 2005 Ford F-150 may fit other mid-2000s Ford trucks with similar tailgate or bumper configurations. Our technical support team can help you identify compatible options based on your vehicle's specifications.

• Monitor flexibility matters too. If your older car lacks a modern infotainment screen, you can pair a universal camera with a standalone dashboard monitor, a rearview mirror replacement monitor, or even a portable wireless display that mounts anywhere you prefer.

The key is matching three things: camera mounting style (license plate, flush, or surface), cable length (measure from your rear bumper to your dashboard), and monitor type (standalone, mirror-integrated, or existing head unit). Once those align, virtually any vehicle can accommodate a backup camera—whether it's a 1995 pickup truck or a 2010 sedan.

8. How much does it cost to put a touch screen in your car?

Adding a touch screen to an older vehicle is more affordable and accessible than ever, with options ranging from simple plug-and-play displays to full head unit replacements. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Option 1: Portable Touch Screen Display ($70–$200)

The most budget-friendly and least invasive option for older car owners. These standalone screens mount to your dashboard or windshield, plug into your cigarette lighter for power, and connect to your phone via Bluetooth or cable to provide Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality.

• Cost: $70–$200 (no installation required)

• Pros: No permanent modification to your car; takes 5–10 minutes to set up; can be moved between vehicles

• Cons: Additional device on your dashboard; may not integrate with your existing stereo for audio

• Best for: Classic car owners who want modern features without altering their original dash

Option 2: Basic Touch Screen Head Unit ($100–$300 + installation)

A single-DIN or double-DIN aftermarket stereo with a built-in touch screen. Replaces your existing radio and provides features like Bluetooth, USB playback, and sometimes a backup camera input.

• Equipment cost: $100–$300

• Professional installation: $80–$150

• Total: $180–$450

• Pros: Integrated solution; cleaner look than a portable display; often includes backup camera input

• Cons: Requires removing your existing stereo; may need adapter harnesses for your specific vehicle

Option 3: CarPlay/Android Auto Touch Screen Head Unit ($250–$700 + installation)

A more advanced double-DIN head unit with wireless or wired smartphone integration, navigation, and typically a backup camera input with automatic switching when you shift into reverse.

• Equipment cost: $250–$700

• Professional installation: $100–$200 (more complex integration)

• Total: $350–$900

• Pros: Full smartphone integration; seamless backup camera display; modern infotainment features

• Cons: Higher cost; professional installation recommended; may require additional adapters to maintain steering wheel controls or other factory features

Option 4: Premium Systems with Navigation & Advanced Features ($500–$2,000+)

High-end head units with built-in GPS navigation, premium audio processing, multiple camera inputs, and advanced features like voice control and HD radio.

• Equipment cost: $500–$2,000+

• Professional installation: $150–$300+

• Total: $650–$2,300+

• Pros: All-in-one solution with top-tier features; best audio quality; extensive connectivity options

• Cons: Significant investment; may be overkill for drivers who primarily want a backup camera display

Special Considerations for Older Vehicles:

• Dash kit compatibility: Older cars may require specific mounting kits (usually $15–$50) to fit a modern head unit into the dashboard opening

• Wiring harness adapters: You'll likely need an adapter ($15–$40) to connect a new head unit to your car's existing wiring without cutting factory connectors

• Steering wheel controls: If your older vehicle has steering wheel audio controls (less common pre-2005), maintaining this functionality requires an additional adapter ($30–$100)

• Antenna adapters: Some older vehicles need an antenna adapter ($10–$20) to receive FM radio through a new head unit

The Backup Camera Connection:

Most touch screen head units include at least one video input for a backup camera. When shopping for a screen, look for:

• Automatic switching to camera view when you shift into reverse (triggered by the reverse light wire)

• Parking guideline overlay options

• Sufficient screen brightness for daytime visibility

Camera Source offers monitors and integration solutions designed to pair seamlessly with backup cameras for older vehicles—giving you both a modern display and enhanced rearview safety in one upgrade.

9. Are there backup cameras with night vision?

Yes—and for older car owners who may park in dimly lit areas or back out of dark garages, night vision capability is one of the most valuable features to look for in a backup camera.

Modern backup cameras handle low-light conditions in three primary ways:

Infrared (IR) LED Cameras: These are the most common type. IR cameras use infrared light emitters (typically 4 to 8 IR LEDs surrounding the lens) that automatically activate when ambient light drops below a certain threshold. The infrared light is invisible to the human eye but illuminates the scene for the camera sensor. The trade-off: IR cameras typically display night footage in black and white rather than color. However, the image clarity is usually excellent for identifying obstacles, children, pets, or objects directly behind your vehicle.

Low-Light Sensor Cameras (Starlight/Starvis Technology): Premium backup cameras increasingly feature advanced image sensors—like Sony's Starvis technology—that can capture full-color images in extremely low-light conditions without relying solely on IR illumination. These sensors are more sensitive to available light, delivering clearer, more natural-looking footage at dusk, in parking garages, or under streetlights. If color accuracy at night matters to you, look for cameras advertising "starlight" or "low-light" sensor technology.

LED Fill Light Cameras: Some backup cameras include bright white LED lights that physically illuminate the area behind your vehicle when you shift into reverse. This approach provides true color night vision and excellent visibility but may be more noticeable to people nearby. LED-equipped cameras work well for trucks, RVs, and vehicles that frequently back into dark spaces like campsites or loading docks.

What to look for when shopping:

• IP67 or IP68 waterproof rating ensures the camera (and its night vision components) can withstand rain, snow, and road spray.

• Auto-switching between day and night modes for seamless transitions.

• Wide dynamic range (WDR) helps balance bright and dark areas in the same frame—useful when backing out of a dark garage into bright sunlight.

For most older vehicle owners, an IR-equipped camera with 6–8 LEDs offers the best balance of affordability, reliability, and nighttime visibility. If you want color night vision or plan to back up in near-total darkness regularly, consider upgrading to a starlight sensor model or one with white LED fill lights.

Browse our selection of automotive backup cameras to find options with night vision capabilities that fit your vehicle and budget.

Old Car, New Camera

When it comes to backup cameras, Camera Source has your back. Whether you drive a classic cruiser from the '90s or a beloved daily driver from the early 2000s, adding a backup camera is one of the smartest safety upgrades you can make—and you don't have to sacrifice what you love about your car to get it.

Ready to find the perfect backup camera for your older vehicle? Browse our complete selection of automotive backup cameras to find wired, wireless, and universal options that fit your car, your budget, and your installation preferences. Still have questions? Reach out to our technical support team—we're here to help you upgrade with confidence.