I just bought an 88 XJS Hess & Eisenhardt convertible, and I know I'm gonna want to replace the head unit. What options do I have for a new CD player? is there anything out there with USB input, etc?

 

If you're near a Best Buy, visit with their mobile audio department. Apparently pretty much any single DIN head unit will fit. I just picked up a Sony with USB, 3.5mm, etc. I will do the speakers in a couple of weeks. In fact, I'm about to post a new thread seeking advice on subwoofer installation.

One thing that was a deal-breaker for me is lack of green illumination. Some (most) of the displays are in garish color schemes which do not fit the interior of the XJS.

EDIT: The cost of speaker installation (I have an 89 coupe) was going to be more than the speakers themselves, so I decided to wait a while and get some decent 5 1/4s put in.

 

Really? I was figuring the same thing, but when I went to the Crutchfield website, it was telling me that my only option was some cheapo Dual head unit, and I want USB and XM. I'd like to do the install myself. Will BB have the wiring harness and such?

 

BB should have everything... they had me in and out within 45 minutes. Crutchfield is not accurate when it comes to our vehicles.

On a related note, I'm not all that pleased with the Sony unit I picked up; the ipod control is lacking. I understand that Alpine has the best ipod support. Think I'm gonna exchange it for a better Alpine (bluetooth, etc).

Now, since half my dash lights are dim / out, I'm thinking of doing an interior LED replacement to either red or blue to match the output options of the Alpine.

I also wouldn't mind deleting the trip computer, as my GPS provides all of its functionality.

Any thoughts as to which option would look best? My car is black on black, soon to have tinted windows with fresh black headliner & visors.

Red is easier on the eyes at night, but a cool blue might be refreshing.

Oh, and BB sells the wiring harnesses - they charge $70 for installation. I have since found a wealth of qualified individuals on Craigslist who do nice work on the side, for much more reasonable rates. Everybody's trying to make a buck on the side.

 

well I prefer the blue LED's. When you install them, let me know, I'm just not happy with the amount of lighting in the interior, and my gauge cluster is VERY dim. I notice you have an Honda Interceptor as well. Used to be my favorite bike till I rode an RC51