I found a very well-kept Sovereign for a good deal, as a first car for my son (yes, yes, I know... but he's more mature than I am, so it's not such a bad decision. Plus, I want grandkids some day). He fell in love with it immediately, but he's rather hoping that there might be a way to upgrade the console to something more modern.

Specifically, he'd like to replace the radio with a more modern variety. Also, for some reason, this specific model did not have a cup holder anywhere on the interior. I don't know if there was once one, and it was removed, or if they just left that out of the Vanden Plas.

Are the consoles of the later models in any way interchangeable? If not, can they be adapted for use in a 91 XJ6? Or am I going to have to invest $2 in a tacky plastic window-mounted cup holder? I really would like to install one of the hands-free systems which you find in the newer consoles, just to forestall any difficulties with the cell-phone/auto combination.

 

Hello herrw:

Sounds like a great car. I decided to keep my radio stock, but others have replaced theirs with a modern unit with no problems. If memory serves, there may even be a youtube demonstration for you to watch.

The '91 XJ40 did not come with any cup holders. They assumed we'd be too busy smoking our pipes to be bothered with Biggies from Kwik Trip! That said, some guys have replaced the arm rest with that from an X300, the end of which opened up to hold cups. (Although, I'm not sure how effective the solution ever really was.) And you will undoubtedly have the problem of matching upholstery color.

I use a tacky window cup holder - but I use it hooked into the arm rest kind of by the seat. I'm pretty thin, so that works well and doesn't get in the way.

Best of luck!
Scott

 

i upgraded my radio and Chesterfield electronics not only sold a radio it provided the wiring diagram to connect. only took a hour or 2 very simple!

 

thanks for the information! I'll be getting it back from the garage today (needed the carrier bearings replaced) at which point I'll be taking better stock and deciding what parts to modify first. When I am able to get moving on the work that needs done, I'll post some pics and updates.

 

Interested to see what you found for the radio? And the cup holder? My 93 has an area that a cup maybe could fit in, but definitely not if I'm charging a cell phone

 

All the console lids W/cupholders from 1993 to 2003 will fit the XJ40 cars from 1988 onward. The trim color might not be the same.
I put a console lid from an X300 (LHE???) in my 1992 XJ40 (LDY). They are both grey but different shades. I worked at the dealer back then and the interior repair guy that goes around to all the dealers and shops in the DFW area was in the parking lot doing repairs.
I asked him to re-dye the console lid to LDY and it came out good. The release button trim surround is a lighter color but looks OK.

Lids from 2000MY onward have metal hinges and seem to last longer.

bob gauff