Project Updates for 5/10/2018
I had an idea for adjusting the camera angle. I could probably make a wedge of some sort if I get my 3D printer up and running. Originally I was thinking of buying a block of plastic and cutting it to shape, but after thinking about it, I can produce exactly what I want if I get the printer up and running. It's a great motivation to work on it and simple enough that there is a relatively high chance of success. Plus I already have the correct filament in black. I would probably need to make a reverse wedge to go on the inside as well. The main potential problem I see here is that it may require too much depth for the length of the screw.
The other option I am considering is getting a different camera with a compatible plug that has a better angle. I found an aftermarket one for a Hyundai Elantra that I believe would fit in the same size of hole, but that would be an extra $25. According to Amazon, it has an tilt angle of 42 degrees from being straight out. I took a picture of my current camera and used a protractor app to approximate the angle and it appears to be around 50 degrees, so that would be a marked improvement.
A great idea I just had is that I could design something on the 3D printer that replaces the plate that snaps into the vehicle with something that puts the camera at exactly the right angle. with the camera sunk in a bit. This may take a bit of time to design, but it would probably be the most ideal result for the cost.