Hello,

Does anyone know what radio/cassette player would be originally on 1985 car.

I see that AJ8700 and AJ8600 models as candidates.

Thank you.

( and if someone has it - please let me know :-) )

 

I think the 8600 is the right version for that car but either would work. The 8700 looks a little sleeker but i like the all the buttons on the 8600

 

The 8700 was introduced for 1987 model year cars...so an '85 wouldn't have it.

Not sure about the 8600

Cheers
DD

 

I see this on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/vintage-198...papasJ&vxp=mtr

Did US models come with different radio? Anyone with 1985 car - could you share what you have?

Thank you.

 

Does anyone have electric schema (or whatever schema) for installing AJ8600. My wires were messed-up for aftermarket radio installation. Speaker wires are easy, but help is needed for proper wiring of power/antenna/illumination...
Thank you!

 

After prolonged intimacy with ebay's AJ8600, lots of alcohol(cleaning) and lubrication, and new rubber(belt).... my new radio now shine and will happily sucks-up cassettes!

Now, if I could only figure out how to correctly connect opticell octopus...

​​​​​​

 

Though I like the look of the 8600, I find them to be quite finicky. The tape deck mechanism would get hung up all the time. I've been through a couple of 8600's but ultimately swapped the last one out for an 8700. The 8700 is an Alpine made unit which is much more reliable and has a more powerful amp. Fortunately both radios use the same connections so if one wants to swap one for the other they are plug & play.

It should be noted that unlike modern electronics these head units are relatively easy to service and repair and any assorted cassette deck belt kit should have the proper size drive belt since they are ultimately Alpine head units after 1986.

For posterity here is the order of radios for the HE xj-s (No idea what went into the 70's cars). If anyone is looking for a replacement unit also note that the xj saloons used the same radios so your search doesn't have to be limited to the xj-s.

1982-84



1985



1986 (AJ8600)




1987-91 (AJ8700)

 

Thank you for the info and pictures. I guess I will have live with 1986 radio on my 1985 XJS (until I find 1985 :-) ).

 

I just sold an 8700. IMO they all look kinda clunky and are not really useful for anything other than FM or a cassette adapter, but there is a lot of room on the face to add a 3.5mm jack. I have a 90s sony in my XJS and have seen several Blaupunkts that would look good, not like the flash new stuff. Alternatively you could stick a bluetooth adapter in the tunnel somewhere and hook it up to the radio to keep the stock look.