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The radio looks amazing! Very unique, I haven't seen an xjs with the classic jlr radio yet.
This was also my first radio job and I learned a lot from it. I would recommend replacing the front and rear speakers when time allows. I went with 4" speakers which did not require any modifications to the original speaker panels. I went with Infinity reference speakers and was really happy with the results. I think I paid $150 for all 4 speakers. The speakers were a really easy job to do, especially after learning how to do the radio.
Thanks for the update and happy holidays!
Great idea. I actually don't mind the stock speakers, but surely room for improvement. May add that to the gift list requests haha
With the idea to keep the original look, I've ordered this Cantaloupe Radio
Shipment is en route, I'll update when installed. It's not cheap but the original appearance is mandatory for our collector plate status here (low insurance being the big benefit).
That's awesome! Please keep us updated on the installation and functionality of the radio. Coolest retrofit idea, glad to see companies still innovating for classic Jaguars!
So the Cantaloupe Radio kit installation went very well. The most difficult bit is getting the radio out. The installation video on their product page is first rate. From a quick test everything seems to work; handsfree call answering, bluetooth music play and aux cable music play. I ran an aux cable from the radio, under the ski slope and into the centre console storage (drill hole, grommet etc.). There's a desktop computer app for firmware upgrades etc, I haven't tried that out yet. They have an owners manual downlIoad on their product page also that describes which button does what, works as described. Most important is the stock appearance, functionality and good sound. I'm happy with the results.
So the Cantaloupe Radio kit installation went very well. The most difficult bit is getting the radio out. The installation video on their product page is first rate. From a quick test everything seems to work; handsfree call answering, bluetooth music play and aux cable music play. I ran an aux cable from the radio, under the ski slope and into the centre console storage (drill hole, grommet etc.). There's a desktop computer app for firmware upgrades etc, I haven't tried that out yet. They have an owners manual downlIoad on their product page also that describes which button does what, works as described. Most important is the stock appearance, functionality and good sound. I'm happy with the results.
Just to close the loop on this, I hadn't come up with a good solution for the handsfree microphone installation..up until now..I dismantled the microphone body, keeping the front grille, carefully drilled a hole in warning lamp screw cover and routed cables as required. Happy with it now:
Hi Guys, I am changing out the stereo on my 1989 XJS with one of those Continental stereos that were discussed earlier in this thread. I have connectors made and ready to go. My question is - what did you guys do for the bracket to hold the stereo to the two screw mounts on the dash on either side of the stereo. It doesn't look like the ones come off of the old stereo. No brackets came with the new one. I can fabricatre some, but that would take longer than I would prefer. So if anybody knows of brackets that fit the jag face opening and I can then drill screws to attach to my aftermarket radio please let me know. Or of you have any other suggestions. Thanks
Hi Guys, I am changing out the stereo on my 1989 XJS with one of those Continental stereos that were discussed earlier in this thread. I have connectors made and ready to go. My question is - what did you guys do for the bracket to hold the stereo to the two screw mounts on the dash on either side of the stereo. It doesn't look like the ones come off of the old stereo. No brackets came with the new one. I can fabricatre some, but that would take longer than I would prefer. So if anybody knows of brackets that fit the jag face opening and I can then drill screws to attach to my aftermarket radio please let me know. Or of you have any other suggestions. Thanks
My radio did not come with a bracket either and I could not remove the bracket from the old radio.
I just slid my radio in as is and never had an issue with it coming loose, the fitment is quite secure.
That seemed too easy, but it did the trick. Thanks!
I installed the Contiental as well in my 94 xjs....it comes with a tight fitting box that at first glance you might not realize its a sheath type cage. You're supposed to find a good spot to push the tabs upward and downward where you can, so it locks the cage in place. You'll then have to use the keys supplied with the radio to remove it from the cage. That said, like you, it sort of just slid in as is and sort of stays in place with just the bezel and the old dash plastic. Overall a good fit and it seems to fit the bill of an updated radio with an old school look.
Thanks guys - that one was almost so easy missed it. I got thinking about bracket and such and never stepped back to look at the big picture. Slid right in and I had some connectors made up, so after chaning a couple of pins to reflect the ground source and having the battery and igition powers reversed, I was good to go in no time. This forum really is the best, not sure if I could keep my cats if not for you guys.
I have a 94 xjs convertible and just ordered a Blaupunkt Skaagen400. I'm wondering how yours turned out.
Since taking the pic below, I pulled out the old radio and measured the opening in the plastic faceplate to measure the opening. It's going to be a very tight fit across where the skaagen width spec ismaybe 188mm and my opening measures about 186-187. Did any of you who installed Skaagen have to adjust either the new ones in unit or the faceplate to be able to get it to fit? Also, my initial plan is simply to swap the head unit and see how the original 4 speaker setup sounds. If needed, the next step will be 4 new speakers, the finally a powered sub woofer if I feel like going that extra step. How did yours sound? Do you know if the original speakers can take the full 24 watt rms /50 watt per speaker output from the skaagen, or do I need to be careful never to turn it all the way up. From what I've been able to tell the original alpine stereo put out 22 watt per speaker but it is not clear if that is me or peak.
Out of curiosity which I put and music source are you using the most?
Mike, the facelift XJS has a different facia around the AC and radio area to the earlier cars. I was going to fit a Blaupunkt Bremen to my 1995 car but found it was too wide at 189mm to fit in the gap which on my car was 187mm. I contacted Blaupunkt support who confirmed the Bremen and Frankfurt were different. I then went with the Blaupunkt Frankfurt RCM82 radio instead. You would have expected all the Blaupunkt units to have the same faceplate dimension but they don't. I did a write up of how I did my installation here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ft-xjs-293011/
If I were you I would check that the Skagen unit will fit before committing to that unit, at 188mm wide it might fit but it might not so best to check. The facia is easy to remove, pull off the ac/fan knobs and you can then gently lever the facia out and check it on the Skagen unit.
