Installation of a modern backup camera system on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, including camera mounting, power routing, display installation, and integration with the reverse light circuit.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Backup camera with mounting bracket × 1 — Aftermarket universal license plate or surface mount camera
• LCD display monitor (3.5"-7") × 1 — Aftermarket rearview mirror mount or dash mount display
• Video extension cable × 1 — 20-25 foot RCA or 4-pin aviation cable
• 12V power wire kit (16-18 AWG) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inline fuse holder with 5A fuse × 1 — ATO/ATC blade fuse holder
• Butt connectors and heat shrink tubing × 1 — 16-18 AWG assortment
• Wire loom or split conduit × 1 — 1/4" diameter, 20 feet
• Mounting hardware (screws, bolts, washers) × 1 — Stainless steel assortment
• Rubber grommets × 2 — 3/4" and 1" diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable from battery and isolate from terminal.
3. Plan camera mounting location (license plate area, rear bumper, or rear body panel above license plate).
4. Plan display mounting location (dashboard, sun visor area, or rearview mirror replacement).
5. Test camera and display system on bench with power supply to verify operation before installation.
6. Determine wire routing path from rear camera location through trunk, along frame or body, to dashboard area.
7. Gather all tools and parts before beginning installation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mount backup camera at rear of vehicle
   Select camera mounting location ensuring clear rearward view without obstructions from bumper, exhaust, or body lines. For license plate mount, attach camera bracket to existing license plate mounting holes. For body panel surface mount, mark mounting holes ensuring they avoid the fuel tank (centered behind license plate area), mark pilot holes, drill using appropriate bit for fiberglass (typically 1/8" pilot followed by final size), and secure camera bracket with stainless steel hardware. Apply silicone sealant around camera base and mounting holes to prevent water intrusion. Ensure camera lens is level and aimed at proper downward angle (typically 15-20 degrees from horizontal).
2. 2

   Route camera cable into trunk area
   Locate or create wire entry point from camera location into trunk. For license plate mount, route cable through existing license plate light wiring entry point. For body panel mount, drill 3/4" hole through body panel in an inconspicuous location near camera (ensuring clearance from fuel tank and trunk structure), install rubber grommet in hole, and feed camera cable through grommet into trunk. Protect cable with wire loom or split conduit from camera to entry point. Secure cable to body using zip ties at 12-inch intervals to prevent hanging or chafing.
3. 3

   Access reverse light circuit for trigger signal
   Locate the reverse light housings in the rear body panel. On a 1966 Corvette, factory backup/reverse lights were an option and may not be present; if equipped, they are a separate lamp near the license plate area rather than integrated into the four round taillights. Verify whether your car has factory reverse lights before tapping into this circuit. Remove the reverse light lens by removing the retaining screws (2 screws per lens). Access the reverse light bulb socket and wiring. Identify the power wire that is hot only when transmission is in reverse (use multimeter with battery reconnected temporarily to verify, then disconnect battery again). NOTE: If the car was not factory-equipped with backup lights, no reverse-hot wire will exist; in that case install a reverse-activated switch on the manual transmission/shifter linkage or use a manual switch to trigger the camera. This wire will provide the 12V trigger signal to activate the camera display when backing up. Note wire color for connection in later step.
4. 4

   Route video and power cables through vehicle body
   From trunk area, route camera video cable and power wires forward toward dashboard. Route cables along driver side body following existing wiring harness paths where possible. Route cables forward from the rear stowage compartment (the C2 Corvette has no external trunk lid; the rear area is accessed from inside the cabin) into the passenger footwell area. If necessary, remove side sill trim panels to access routing channel. Feed cables forward under carpet along door sill area toward dashboard. Use fish tape or stiff wire to pull cables through tight areas. Protect all cables with wire loom and secure with zip ties at regular intervals to prevent movement and chafing against body or suspension components.
5. 5

   Install dashboard display unit
   Select display mounting location on dashboard that does not obstruct instruments or driver vision. Common locations include top of dashboard center area or mounted to sun visor. For dashboard mount, use double-sided automotive trim tape or drill mounting holes for bracket (if drilling, verify no wiring or HVAC ducting behind chosen location by checking from underneath dash). Mount display securely ensuring it can be viewed easily when backing up but does not interfere with normal forward driving visibility. Route display cables behind dashboard using existing wire channels.
6. 6

   Connect power supply for camera and display
   Connect camera and display power wires to 12V power source. Recommended connection point is the accessory terminal on the fuse block (hot with ignition on) or a dedicated circuit. Route positive power wire from display area to fuse block located under dashboard on driver side. Install inline fuse holder with 5A fuse in the positive wire within 6 inches of connection point. Connect power wire to appropriate terminal using butt connector or solder connection with heat shrink. Route ground wires from both camera and display to nearby chassis ground points, removing paint at connection point for good electrical contact. Use ring terminals for ground connections and secure with existing body bolts or sheet metal screws.
7. 7

   Connect reverse trigger circuit
   Return to rear of vehicle and access reverse light wiring identified in Step 3. Using wire tap connector or by splicing into wire, connect a 18 AWG trigger wire to the reverse light power wire (the wire that is hot only in reverse). Route this trigger wire forward through same path as video cable to display unit. Connect trigger wire to the display unit's reverse trigger input terminal (consult display manual for specific terminal identification). This connection will automatically power on the display and switch to camera view when transmission is shifted into reverse.
8. 8

   Connect video cable between camera and display
   Connect the video cable from camera to the video input on the display unit. Ensure RCA or aviation-style connectors are fully seated and connections are secure. If cable is too long, coil excess neatly and secure with zip ties in an out-of-the-way location (behind dashboard or in trunk). Do not cut video cable shorter as this can affect signal quality. Verify all connections are clean and free of corrosion.
9. 9

   Test system operation before final assembly
   Reconnect battery negative terminal. Turn ignition to accessory or run position. Shift transmission into reverse (with engine running, clutch depressed if manual, and parking brake engaged). Verify that display unit powers on and shows camera image clearly. Check that image is properly oriented (not upside down or mirrored incorrectly). Verify that display turns off when transmission is shifted out of reverse. If display has guidelines, verify they align reasonably with actual distances behind vehicle. Check all connections for proper seating if system does not operate correctly. Use multimeter to verify power at display (should read 12-14V) and trigger signal (should read 12V in reverse, 0V in other gears).
10. 10

    Secure all wiring and restore interior panels
    With system tested and operational, disconnect battery again. Secure all loose wiring with zip ties, ensuring no wires hang loose or contact moving parts, hot exhaust components, or sharp edges. Bundle wires together neatly using wire loom. Verify adequate slack at all connection points to prevent tension. Reinstall any interior trim panels, carpet, or sill plates removed during installation. Reinstall reverse light lens and any other exterior components removed. Apply final silicone sealant to any body penetrations if not already done.
11. 11

    Final system verification and adjustment
    Reconnect battery negative terminal. Start vehicle and shift through all gears, verifying display only activates in reverse. With vehicle in reverse, verify camera provides clear image of area behind vehicle. Adjust camera angle if necessary by loosening mounting bracket and re-positioning. Verify no water leaks at camera mounting location by spraying with water. Check all electrical connections are secure and properly insulated. Test system multiple times through several reverse cycles to ensure reliable operation.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all interior trim panels and carpet are properly reinstalled and secured.
2. Verify all exterior components including license plate and light lenses are properly fastened.
3. Confirm battery is reconnected with terminals clean and tight.
4. Route all excess cable length in organized manner secured with zip ties to prevent rattles or interference with vehicle operation.

Verification

• With vehicle running, shift to reverse and verify display activates immediately and shows clear camera image.
• Verify display deactivates when shifted out of reverse.
• Check that camera mounting is secure and does not move or vibrate.
• Confirm no water intrusion around camera mounting points after car wash or rain.
• Verify all wiring is secured and protected from heat, moving parts, and sharp edges.
• Test system operation multiple times over several days to ensure reliable performance.
• Verify no electrical issues such as blown fuses, dim lights, or other electrical anomalies indicating wiring problems.

More procedures for this vehicle