Original radio for 1985 XJS
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Location: Pacific Northwest USA
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#4
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.
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.
#5
#6
#7
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)
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)
Last edited by EcbJag; 09-23-2018 at 04:47 AM.
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JigJag (09-26-2018)
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#9
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.
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