I will be upgrading the head unit as my stereo outlets are on their final lap. I'd like one of you knowledgeable heads to enlighten me as to how much space/depth is available in the radio slot.

Thanks

 

Realistically? About as much as the stock radio. There is no clearance in back of the top half of the front panel (there's one of the multitude of the computers mounted vertically in back of that half) and the tunnel under it starts its bulge to clear the bell housing at the bottom half. The stock radio was (apparently) built to fit the space available with those constraints.

You'll also need one of these:



You can see where the radio will have to sit...I'd also grab some of those stick-on leapers that are floating around to dress up the blanking space above the radio. That's just me, though.

 

I was hoping a double din would fit as they're more cohesive looking for me.

 

Unfortunately, no, unless it's shaped like this:



Now, that's not saying things can't fit...but the surgery involved...well...if they came up with a seperatable faceplate (ie hide the technology in a box under the seat...), that would be one way, but these cars weren't designed to take more than what they were delivered with.

In its day, the Alpine radio equipment was top-end stuff, suitable for the car. 15 years later? Not so much.

 

Indeed, I'm having a pro do the install tomm. I'll see what he recommends.

 

Here ya go:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...308-xj8-27520/

 

My audio guy went with a double din Kenwood so I gather he knows the tricks to make it work. I've never had a shoddy install from his place so I feel good about it. I would've kept it OEM but my stereo outputs to the brand new speakers on the left/driver side were shorting out plus the wires from my XM receiver to the tape deck etc. were nerve racking & unsightly.

Should be finished this afternoon.

 

Car's done,sounds excellent & looks clean the guys went with a double din Kenwood DPX501BT & had zero issues.

 

Nice work...wondering what (if any) changes he had to make to the dash structure...

 

The owner wasn't there when I picked up, but I plan on getting the details & sharing here next time I go there.

 

King Charles. That is one heck of an excellent clean install job with extra added bonus of no issues. Looks great!

 

Thanks sir ! Looks even cleaner now that I've actually cleaned it up lol ! The blue tooth calling is crystal clear w/ external & built in mics, I was taken back with the clarity on the initial trial & mind you that's without adjusting the audio filters.

Here's my audio upgrades, all went in without any hitches.

Head Unit : DPX501BT Kenwood DPX501BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Door/cabin Speakers : Rockford Fosgate P165 6.5" 2-ways
Rockford Fosgate Punch P165 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield.com

Trunk : Memphis Audio ported 12" subwoofer & M.A. audio 500 watt amp (unsure of the model # as they came from an older car which I lost paperwork for)

She's going in for paint tomorrow to refinish a panel w/ some clear coat issues. Going on 6 weeks since acquiring this gem. I'm semi-proud of having it this far along on my "to-do list" ! For a 15 year old former daily driver, she will be sitting proud lol !