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How I fitted a New Stereo in My 1990 XJS V12 (Pre Facelift)
I decided to do a Completely New Post to explain how I fitted a Stereo in my 1990 XJS V12 Pre-Facelift, just in case anyone else wants to do the Same.
So this is a sort of Step by Step Guide, as I could have done with knowing this Stuff myself before I started.
The Story begins on Amazon where I picked up a Budget Stereo in one of their Black Friday Sales, as I wanted something to replace the Pull out Radio in my 1990 XJS.
Don't get me wrong as I have to say I love its Retro look as it goes with the Car, while at the same time it can be a PIA, to have to keep pulling the Radio out to lock it away in the Boot/Trunk every time you stop anywhere.
Not only that but it also lacks a lot of the Modern Features, that nowadays we tend to take for granted.
No Mp3 unless you use a Cassette Adapter, No Bluetooth, No USB and No Hands Free. Which was one of the main reasons why I decided to get a more Modern Stereo, as they are Cracking down on people using Mobile Phones in their Cars.
And while I would never do that, I tend to use my Phone for Playing Music, through the Pull out Radio, with a Cassette Adaptor and since the Phone is (make that was!) kept in a Phone Holder on the dash.
Am I or aren't I using my Mobile Phone, even if my hands are nowhere near it? In that respect it could be down to if you get stopped or how someone feels on the day, so now there can be no doubt whatsoever I'm not.
So now straight back to Amazon, where I am having a headspin, in deciding which Budget Stereo to buy, although to be fair a lot of them have the same functions, where in a lot of cases, the only difference is a different Badge.
Firstly a 'Big Shout Out' to Paul (PTJS) who was screaming at me to get one with Bluetooth, even though I didn't think that this was too important, as all I really wanted to do was play Music. (But with Bluetooth you can do that better from your Phone)
So for the Princely sum of £19 I bought this Budget Stereo, because it had some Five Star Reviews and I had seen the same model in a High Street Store near me for £40 so Bargain or What!
As soon as the Stereo had arrived Two days ahead of Schedule, I Started thinking (or What!) as it was not much heavier than the box it arrived in, so as far as Performance was concerned, I prepared myself for disappointment.
So for better or worse decided, that I had nothing to lose by putting it in, except of course for my £19 but lets gloss over that just for a moment.
As this was a Budget Stereo, it hadn't got the Din Plug, which you see on more expensive models but instead a bunch of Wires on the end of a Push in Plug, all of which were half pre-stripped, which was a nice little touch.
But first of all how on earth do you get the Old Cage Out?
'Parting is such sweet sorrow' but now its time to upgrade you for something a bit more modern.
I was really gutted to take the Original Stereo out, as it felt not only reassuringly Heavy but also looked a Quality piece of Kit.
Though apart from any of that 'So easy to Steal' even if you just stopped for a Paper.
So Job number one was to pull the Two Knobs off from the Aircon Faceplate, which was easier said than done, as they were on there tight and needed a very straight pull combined with a bit of Jiggling.
Those knobs were on that Face Plate so tight, I started looking around for a Screw to undo but with a Straight Pull and some Jiggling, they came off without breaking.
The Next job was undoing the Brass Nuts/Collars that hold the Face Plate on, I managed to do that easily with just a Screw driver, although I could have used some pointed pliers.
When you remove the Face Plate, you have to be Really Careful not to break the Wires that are behind it, as they provide the illumination.
Gently does it but don't break those Wires on the back of the Face Plate.
After much deliberation on what to next and how to do it, I drilled out the 4 Pop Rivets which hold the Cage in place, using a Straight Air Drill, though any small drill would do.
Drilling out the Pop Rivets using a Straight Air Drill and 'Her Bath Towel' to protect the Ski Slope.
Drilling out the Pop Rivets was easier than I though and then I pushed the Stubs right through the holes.
Were those 4 Pop Rivets the only thing that was holding the Cage in place?
The answer to that was Yes! So I just pulled it out.
Only 4 Pop Rivets hold the Cage in place, so I just very carefully pulled it out.
Jaguar certainly didn't stint on the Wiring, there was nearly enough to reach the Floor and they even put a label on them saying what they were for and best of all they were connected to the old plug that you slide the Old Radio into with Bullet Connectors.
Jaguar didn't stint on the Wire it reached right down to the Floor!
The only thing left for me to do was to unscrew the Old Pull out Plug and then disconnect all the Bullet Connectors.
All done with Bullet Connectors, in the event I might one day decide to Retro Fit the Original Pull Out Radio.
Meanwhile back at 'Orange Blossom Towers' I was matching up the Wires on the Harness that came with the Stereo and putting some Bullet Connectors on the ends.
Fitting some Bullet Connectors onto the Stereo Harness, which came with an easy to understand Wiring Diagramme.
Easy Wiring Diagramme
'What could possibly go wrong'
Nothing! it was all very Straightforward.
I Photographed the Diagramme to use as a Guide and only had to cut one wire off the Original loom and that was the one with the little 'Black Box' that prevents interference, that also had an In Line Fuse Holder, which was needed as well.
The Black Box was just glued to the Side of the Cage, so I just pulled it off and then cut it off from the Original Plug. Leaving enough in case I ever wanted to re-join it.
That little Black Box is supposed to prevent outside interference, so I thought I may as well use it, as a new one could cost me than I paid for the Radio.
Spaghetti Junction but Wiring it up was easier than I thought.
I also used the Original Cage, as the New Stereo fitted it like a Glove.
After Sliding the Stereo in and then Re-fitting the Face Plate, there was only one thing left to do!
Time to Switch it on and see if it Works.
OMG! its Working, we have lift off!
Note the Remote Control at the Side that Works too!
All done Inside the Garage, so the Photos are not very good.
All ready to Rock She's Working!
But what does She Sound Like?
I'm Not Gonna Lie and if it was rubbish I'd tell you.
It just Sounds Amazing! and Ten out of Ten All day Long!
It doesn't sound anything like the 'Tin Box Sound' I was expecting, it Sounds almost as good as a Top of the Range with 4 X 60 Watt Channels.
That give a Smooth Rich Creamy Sound to Die for!
The Radio Tunes in Perfect and the Bluetooth Connects in an Instant, which also has Hands Free for the Phone as well as a Phone Charger and a USB.
Base and Treble as Standard, Plus Pre-Sets like Rock and Pop and an Equaliser!
and you can also get those functions from the Remote Control, including Volume and Balance and everything else this Stereo Can do.
Well done, great job and good pics & description! As you know from my own car, updating the audio, is one of the few items where I think it's worth deviating from standard on the XJS. And it's good to hear that you're pleased with the sound! I was also impressed that my existing speakers worked really quite well once a new head unit is installed. It seems to confirm that they are really quite decent speakers. I also love your confidence that you fitted everything back before testing it! I admit that I wasn't that brave and kept testing before I did the final install!
Despite the great sound of the car, there are occasions where good music can really enhance some journeys. Congrats! ..and great value! I'm glad you also went down the Bluetooth route! It's definitely worth it, imo.
Well done, great job and good pics & description! As you know from my own car, updating the audio, is one of the few items where I think it's worth deviating from standard on the XJS. And it's good to hear that you're pleased with the sound! I was also impressed that my existing speakers worked really quite well once a new head unit is installed. It seems to confirm that they are really quite decent speakers. I also love your confidence that you fitted everything back before testing it! I admit that I wasn't that brave and kept testing before I did the final install!
Despite the great sound of the car, there are occasions where good music can really enhance some journeys. Congrats! ..and great value! I'm glad you also went down the Bluetooth route! It's definitely worth it, imo.
Paul
Hi Paul
When you first mentioned Bluetooth, I really didn't think it was that important because my Cousins got Bluetooth and he's always loosing the connection, so I think I got the impression, that Bluetooth dropped connections all the time.
I now know that this doesn't happen and as soon as I hit Bluetooth either on the Stereo or Remote Control, its right on it like an Easter Bonnet and what is so surprising, is the unit is as light as a feather.
Which is why I thought it would be rubbish, except of course it isn't and sounds almost as good, as the 'Harmon Kardon' in my Celebration.
Which in Terms of price are Poles apart.
While looking through the other end of the Telescope, the Jaguar Pull out Radio is a heavy duty piece of kit, that this Chinese Box of Tricks could easily wipe the floor with.
Oooh no... I want classical 80ies looks with 80ies sound. Cassette with some ABBA or A-HA blowing through the 6 Ohm 4 speaker setup... Oh the simple days!
Well done OB, a good stereo is a must have especially on those long road trips. Are you planning on replacing the speakers? and adding an amplifier?
Originally Posted by Daim
Oooh no... I want classical 80ies looks with 80ies sound. Cassette with some ABBA or A-HA blowing through the 6 Ohm 4 speaker setup... Oh the simple days!
Nakamichi made some awesome car stereos in the late 80's early 90's the TD 1000 (still very expensive 2nd hand) or the TD700 are 2 of the best car stereo's of the time. I had a TD1000 in one of my cars in 1989.
Well done OB, a good stereo is a must have especially on those long road trips. Are you planning on replacing the speakers? and adding an amplifier?
Nakamichi made some awesome car stereos in the late 80's early 90's the TD 1000 (still very expensive 2nd hand) or the TD700 are 2 of the best car stereo's of the time. I had a TD1000 in one of my cars in 1989.
A mate of mine had a Nakamichi but OMG! I never knew they cost that much.
I hope 'Someday Someday' will jump in on this and throw some light on why this little Stereo of mine is just so Awesome!
I even think that maybe I should send them a bit more money!
The Speakers are Pioneer but I can't remember which model and I don't think that I'll need an amp as the Output is 4 X 60 watt and there is no distortion either, which really surprised me.
I was lucky, I did my apprenticeship with Marantz and my mate did his with Nakamichi Australia so all my cassette decks were Nakamichi. Back in the 80's-90's Nakamichi was the best cassette deck money could buy.
I was lucky, I did my apprenticeship with Marantz and my mate did his with Nakamichi Australia so all my cassette decks were Nakamichi. Back in the 80's-90's Nakamichi was the best cassette deck money could buy.
Pioneer make some good stuff.
Hi Warrjon
Nakamichi, is a name that's always stuck in my mind and a Stereo I've always wanted, just wondering if they still make them, though thinking maybe not.
I've got some interesting stuff at home, that maybe only someone like you could appreciate.
A Quad Sound System with Wharfdale Speakers and my prized possession a Pye Black Box, in fact I've got two I love them so much.
And a Denon AVR3300 Amplifier, which someone was going to dump in the Skip.
It all lights up and everything but it won't come out of Standby even though I've got the remote Control.
Has got a Power Button but when you switch it on, the Standby light comes on and the only way to Switch it off (ie make it work) is by the Remote Control.
It didn't have a Remote Control when I got it, so I had to get a New one specially Coded from Poland! which was the only place I could get one,
that didn't cost as much as a Secondhand Car.
But it still won't work (Apparently this is a bit of a common fault) I googled it and lots of people seemed to have the same problem.
Bit of a shame really, as it looks a nice piece of kit with more connections on the back than you could shake a stick at.
Well done OB, a good stereo is a must have especially on those long road trips. Are you planning on replacing the speakers? and adding an amplifier?
Nakamichi made some awesome car stereos in the late 80's early 90's the TD 1000 (still very expensive 2nd hand) or the TD700 are 2 of the best car stereo's of the time. I had a TD1000 in one of my cars in 1989.
Nakamichi? Thanks for the tip! I've just found a brand new unit from 1991 (I think) with a cassette deck for something like €175... I might just have to buy one
I hope 'Someday Someday' will jump in on this and throw some light on why this little Stereo of mine is just so Awesome!
Sorry, I'm afraid I know nothing about car stereos whatsoever. I still have the original tape deck in my '92, and what's more, haven't even used it (keep forgetting to bring down my old tapes - this is now the only thing I actually have that will play them!)...
And whaddaya know - my car's stereo won't play tapes. The tapes go in and just sit there, without the mechanism engaging to fully pull them in and play them. So I think I might like a new stereo myself.
So I have a question for Orangeblossom: you mentioned changing the wiring and bullet connectors. Does this mean that the XJS connectors aren't actually compatible with modern stereo connectors and you need to remove the stereo connectors and add on your own bullet connectors, and if so, is this pretty easy?
I also note you appear to have a Japanese import car....
As far as I know She was supplied Brand New from a UK Jaguar Main Dealership, so very curious to know what made you think that She was a Japanese Import.
As for fitting the Stereo I can only go by the wiring I found in my Car, so as yours is a later Car the Wiring may be different to mine.
I know absolutely nothing about Auto Electronics, especially when it comes to fitting Stereos and also didn't have anyone to show me what to do.
When I took the old cage out, Jaguar had thoughtfully labeled all the wiring so all I really had to do was to put some matching labels on the
Harness that came with the Stereo and then join the lot together, which was really a piece of Cake.
As the Original Pull out Radio was done with Bullet Connectors and so it was out with the old and then in with the New.
When you have a Convertible, a Top of the Range Stereo, is 'Eye Candy' to a passing Thief, so that was one of the reasons that I decided to go for a Budget Stereo.
Though in the event that you decide to fit something a bit more exotic, then if that Stereo hasn't got one you may need a 'Din Harness' depending on the Plug that's on the back.
Fitting the New Stereo was easy, even though I had never done it before so all you really need to do is take it one wire at a time, its nowhere near as daunting as it looks.
Many Up Market Stereos us a 'Din' plug just like this.
The Black Plug goes into the Stereo and if you are very lucky then the White Plug may go into your existing set up, or else you could always join it up in some other way.
Why I thought your car was Japanese? In the photo you label "All done with bullet connectors, in the event I might one day decide to retrofit the original pull-out radio" there's a label saying "battery" in Japanese, so I assumed it was a Japan-market car with wiring labels in Japanese.
Glad you don't know anything about electronics - it gives me hope! So many people here seem to have advanced degrees in mechanical and/or electrical engineering, it can be daunting.
I managed to replace a radio in my Toyota MR2 very easily, but that was a Japanese car getting fitted with a Japanese radio. I just used the leads on the radio marked "Toyota"....
But Somewhere Somewhere, Someday Someday, I have the receipt from the Jaguar UK Main Dealer for an eye watering sum of money that the previous owner paid for my Car.
Where just the immobilizer cost almost as much as what I paid for my Merc.
12-09-2016, 11:58 AM
How I fitted a New Stereo in My 1990 XJS V12 (Pre Facelift)
