2009 C70 T5 -- backup camera?

susiemargaret · Post by **susiemargaret** » 21 Mar 2026, 02:03

is it possible to install a backup camera in my hardtop C70 T5 convertible? and if so, any recommendations? where would i get one, and who could install it (e.g., dealership, commercial mechanic, etc.)?

Post by **scot850** » 21 Mar 2026, 02:46

It should be possible to fit a camera to most cars. I just had one fitted by a Canadian national electronic store chain who have an automotive radio, speaker, etc., fitment shop. This was to a 06 V70 wagon. Not cheap but they have always done a good install for me. They typically have various cameras they can fit. I don't know if you have stores like Good Guys, Best Buy or sometimes specialist automotive installers locally should be able to do this.

Shop around and find the head unit you like as you need one that has a camera input. I went slightly higher end so that I have full Bluetooth input for streaming for Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Cheaper versions have a USB input requiring a connecting cable to connect to the Carplay and Auto functions.

Today you can also buy a mirror that clips over your rearview mirror that has the backup camera feed to it.

Just be wary of wireless units. They often have a time delay so what you see may not be real time. If you can learn to live with the delay you can possibly find a unit that you can fit yourself, but you will have to find out how to trigger the backup signal manually or even using a dashcam setup with front and rear cameras.

Neil.

susiemargaret · Post by **susiemargaret** » 21 Mar 2026, 02:51

thanks! i'll check at best buy and at a place that works on "high-end cars," including volvo (its actual name!).

Post by **Grantkat** » 24 Mar 2026, 06:19

I put a backup camera on my sons 1999 mustang convertible. Neil is on point. We bought a head unit with back up camera from Crutchfield.
On our setup the camera mounts to your license plate. that was key on his convertible. worked well.

susiemargaret · Post by **susiemargaret** » 24 Mar 2026, 07:43

thanks for the reassurance!

PS -- i love your signature line -- i have told complete strangers, it's never too late to get a convertible!

Post by **cuhfs** » 24 Mar 2026, 20:10

Keep in mind that volvos may have sensitive electronics. It may trigger a low battery or bulb out or other annoyance. Some models are quirky with their electronics. You won't know till you try it. I put a dash cam type camera in s60 and triggered low battery light.

susiemargaret · Post by **susiemargaret** » 25 Mar 2026, 01:59

thanks! did the camera actually drain the battery or just trigger the light?

Post by **cuhfs** » 25 Mar 2026, 05:33

Just triggers the light. No effect on the battery or car operation.

Post by **scot850** » 25 Mar 2026, 08:32

The back up camera just fitted to our 06 V70 is connected to the license plate light wiring to power it's own license plate light, and the trigger power is taken from the back up lights wire feed. It has not triggered any warning lights.

Neil.

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Mar 2026, 09:12

The 97 850R I just sold had a backup camera mounted to the license plate bracket/frame/holder. It was annoying because it was slightly in the way as I used the back tailgate latch. Slightly, not a dealbreaker.

It was not hooked up because the display was not mounted, so I can't comment on its actual performance. The wire I didn't take the time to trace from the tailgate, but I never saw it, so it was done well. It reappeared under the center stack, and the ash tray was simply removed/absent and the endpoint was somewhere in that area. All this work was done by the previous owner or the owner before him.

@susiemargaret if you find the system you're going to buy on Amazon, please use my Amazon link (top of the page) to buy it.