[DeTomaso] Rear View Cameras, Radar and Laser Detectors, and Other Pantera Driving Assistants

[Chris Difani]

Guys:

While this isn't totally and strictly a Pantera subject, these are either on, or going to be on, my Pantera.

A couple of questions;

First, rear view cameras. Since my rear view mirror is almost totally blocked by my polished blower (and yes, I do love to see that block of shiny aluminum in my rear view mirror), I need something that will help me see. I have two external rear view mirrors, so I'm okay legally. But in terms of functionality, I want the best possible "help" to my viewing dilemma. 

Currently my solution is a JVC KD-AVX2 stereo unit that has a 3.5" video screen in it's face plate, and an nice imported water resistant wide angle, color camera. My location for the camera is the real sticking point. I've got two possibilities; in a lower corner of the license plate, or 2; somewhere in the decklid opening, along the top, maybe near one corner or the other.

The camera is round, 1 inch long, by 3/4" in diameter, and is designed for automotive use. Since my video screen is vertical, I rotated the camera 90° and that gives me the "correct" picture. I thought about using one of the rear view mirror replacement screen units, but I didn't want to have a "big mess" in my vision, and the rear view morror replacements seem to be designed for the RV crowd (which means the bigger the better).

That's my idea for my solution. Which then brings me to the question does any list member use a rear view camera, and if so, please give me your details, and your experiences with it.

Second, radar-laser detectors.

I've been very intrigued by the Escort S7 laser detector-defence system. Since approximately 50% of the speed traps are now using laser guns, instead of radar, a laser defence system sounds like a good idea. They're legal since all they do is flash a light. And light is not harmful, damaging, or against any law (yet). These units have receivers located in the front and rear of the car, and when they sense a laser beam, they flash back with a bright light. The light pulse is just enough to tweak the laser gun's sensor so it gives a false reading. These units are built in to the car, and are pretty low profile. One model is the Escort S7, and there's others. From what I've seen, the Beltronics and the Escort are the top brands available now, both in sales and technology. 

The only caveat that I can see, with our cars, is that a Pantera isn't a good laser target in the first place. It's not like a Hummer with 26 square feet of frontal area that can be easily targeted by any laser gun. So I may be concerned about something that's an impossibility in the first place. 

But, what about laser detectors? Does anyone have a recommendation for radar detectors? Brands or models? 

Thanks to all,

Chris

Chris Difani
'73 L #5829 "LITNNG"
Sacramento, CA
Email: cdifani at pacbell.net