Introduction: GoPro Vehicle Mounts: the Fender Mount
The Bonneville Salt Flats have held an appeal to gearheads for nearly a century, the highlight of which is the annual "Speedweek" held in the month of August. For the past 3 years two good friends of mine have made the journey from Minnesota to Utah in a unique vehicle they built by hand, with each year adding to the already colorful history that they've created. This year is no different with the year's car being a completely rebuilt-for-racing 66' Coronet.
They recently decided that this year they were going to bring along a "GoPro Hero II" and attempt to capture some of the shenanigans that would undoubtedly ensue. A few days ago, they approached me to design and create several camera mounts and plan out several shots to add interest to their video. Overall we created three different mounts: A roll-cage mount, a magnetic hood-and-roof mount and the mount featured in this instructable... the fender mount.
The fender mount is intended to get low to the ground views of in front of the car while still having much of the car in the frame. While creating these we had very little access to tools (otherwise these would be welded), thus this 'ible can be completed with just a screwdriver and crescent wrench.
We were inspired by a few GoPro car videos, primarily "Drift Battle 2" and Ken Block's "Gymkhana five". It's worth checking both of these out whether or not you intend to build this mount. They are amazing videos.
Fun Fact! I took all of the photos for this 'ible with a GoPro!
F.Y.I.
I only have photos of immediately after I created the mount, but will upload photos of the mounts attached to the coronet soon
They recently decided that this year they were going to bring along a "GoPro Hero II" and attempt to capture some of the shenanigans that would undoubtedly ensue. A few days ago, they approached me to design and create several camera mounts and plan out several shots to add interest to their video. Overall we created three different mounts: A roll-cage mount, a magnetic hood-and-roof mount and the mount featured in this instructable... the fender mount.
The fender mount is intended to get low to the ground views of in front of the car while still having much of the car in the frame. While creating these we had very little access to tools (otherwise these would be welded), thus this 'ible can be completed with just a screwdriver and crescent wrench.
We were inspired by a few GoPro car videos, primarily "Drift Battle 2" and Ken Block's "Gymkhana five". It's worth checking both of these out whether or not you intend to build this mount. They are amazing videos.
Fun Fact! I took all of the photos for this 'ible with a GoPro!
F.Y.I.
I only have photos of immediately after I created the mount, but will upload photos of the mounts attached to the coronet soon
Step 1: Plans/Design
As stated before, We wanted to create this without the need for many tools.
Considerations
We wanted to be able to change the angle of the attachment points to accommodate the front or rear fender, as well as perhaps a half-rolled-down window.
It had to be durable and fit with the aesthetic of the car.
It had to be able to remain attached after hitting bumps, jumps, vibration, water, heat etc.
It had to be able to be mounted without being seen in the camera's absolutely insane wide angle lens.
Considerations
We wanted to be able to change the angle of the attachment points to accommodate the front or rear fender, as well as perhaps a half-rolled-down window.
It had to be durable and fit with the aesthetic of the car.
It had to be able to remain attached after hitting bumps, jumps, vibration, water, heat etc.
It had to be able to be mounted without being seen in the camera's absolutely insane wide angle lens.
Step 2: Materials
Appx Prices
Washers - $2 (Menards)
Machine Screws - $3 (Menards)
Metal Bracket - $2 (Menards)
Clamps - $1 each (Lowes, Menards was out)
GoPro Suction Cup Mount $30 (Best Buy)
OR GoPro Tripod Mount $7 (Best Buy) & 1/4" - 20 x 1/2" bolt $2 (Menards)
Pro-Tip: Although photographed is a soon to be cannibalized GoPro suction cup mount ($30), you can also use the GoPro tripod mount ($7) and a 1/4" - 20 x 1/2" bolt to attach the GoPro to the mount... and then you don't have to cannibalize a $30 mount.
Washers - $2 (Menards)
Machine Screws - $3 (Menards)
Metal Bracket - $2 (Menards)
Clamps - $1 each (Lowes, Menards was out)
GoPro Suction Cup Mount $30 (Best Buy)
OR GoPro Tripod Mount $7 (Best Buy) & 1/4" - 20 x 1/2" bolt $2 (Menards)
Pro-Tip: Although photographed is a soon to be cannibalized GoPro suction cup mount ($30), you can also use the GoPro tripod mount ($7) and a 1/4" - 20 x 1/2" bolt to attach the GoPro to the mount... and then you don't have to cannibalize a $30 mount.
Step 3: Assemble!
Step 1.
Pull one of the plastic protectors off of the clamp to reveal the bolt-hole.
Step 2.
Go to town with a bolt, washers and a nut and attach the clamp to the bracket. (we chose bolt>washer>clamp>washer>bracket>washer>nut)
Step 3.
Repeat for clamp 2.
Pull one of the plastic protectors off of the clamp to reveal the bolt-hole.
Step 2.
Go to town with a bolt, washers and a nut and attach the clamp to the bracket. (we chose bolt>washer>clamp>washer>bracket>washer>nut)
Step 3.
Repeat for clamp 2.
Step 4: Mounting Arm From Suction Cup Mount
Remember this thing?
Not pictured is that I replaced the washers seen in photo one with washers used in the other parts of this instructable, we also took out the small plastic locking-washer-thing so that it does not get damaged.
But basically...
Just attach the GoPro mount through one of the remaining 2 holes. Your choice where you mount it.
I will upload more photos of this step soon.
Not pictured is that I replaced the washers seen in photo one with washers used in the other parts of this instructable, we also took out the small plastic locking-washer-thing so that it does not get damaged.
But basically...
Just attach the GoPro mount through one of the remaining 2 holes. Your choice where you mount it.
I will upload more photos of this step soon.
Step 5: Bingo Bango
There you go! Your fender mount is complete!
I'll get some photos of it attached to the car soon.
I'll get some photos of it attached to the car soon.
Step 6: Mounted on Vehicle
Here they are! You'll notice they have the safety cable attached to them, it didn't end up using it but it provided a little peace of mind.