1969 XKE Stereo

This is my first try to post here. I have 64 roadster that I've had since 85 I think it's pretty original but now I want to start useing it. I understand the fondness for period radio but the AM motorola radio with junky speakers does not sound good. I would like to put in one of those new cd player radios maybe with an ipod connector even. Would it be possible to hook up a neg ground radio to this possitive ground car if I hook the possitive radio wire to the body and the ground to the existing radio feed and isolate the thing from the car body.
I started useing the car last year for the most since I've had it (it had fine rust in the tank that would get past several filters and clog the carbs) I just dropped the rear end out to redo the calipers-and universal joints they are pretty bad and could wait no longer. I've clicked around this sight and have been reading as many posts as I can. Most of the bolts where pretty rusted and pain to remove right to the last thread. Should I clean them and reuse or would it be a major crime to put some new ones. I also want to clean and paint some things under there while its apart where is a source of what color things where and kind of paint. I don't want to do anything really not right but totally original is broken. The shocks are not leaking but the springs look a little crooked (bent) They seem to drive OK but should I put new ones while its apart or just clean and repaint the old original ones? Is it worth resleeving the calipers with stainless or brass or just clean them up and rebuild? I have so many questions thanks for any advice or suggestions and direction.
Vin

You are correct, Sir!!!
Thanks for clarifying.

Patrick

One point of clarification please. Patrick is correct about the non-authentic deduction for a non-period radio but this applies to Champion Division scoring only. If the car is entered in Driven or Special there is no deduction providing the radio and speakers are installed in the original locations. I just put a new Kenwood unit in my Series 3 but with 6 Weber carbs on the engine I'm pretty much stuck to Driven or Special.

Pat Harmon
CJ NGJC

Kristina:

If you enter your car in any JCNA shows, you realize you will be deducted for a new-style radio. I would prefer you stay with a "period-correct" radio myself as it adds to the charisma. Nothing I hate more than seeing a new-fangled radio/CD player in an old car...but that's just me.

If you go to EBay and type in British Leyland Radio, you'll see dozens of them for sale at various prices. Get one that has either been restored or the seller garuntees that it works. If you have a few more bucks to spend and want to really get "authentic", type in "Blaupunkt Frankfurt". Did your E-Type not have a radio in it? If it did and if it's period correct, why not have it fixed?

Better yet, there is a JCNA-friendly guy named Wilford Wilkes that runs a shop in Brisbin, PA called "Vintage Radio Shop". He restored my BLaupunkt Frankfort for my Series 1 E-Type. He buys and sells all types of Europen radios. The last number I have for him is (814) 378-8526. You might even just send your radio console up to him and he will install a correct radio for you.

The old Blaupunkts used a separate power unit and you may not want to mess with that...but a good British Leyland radio will work as well. Any reputable electronics or radio installation shop can install it for you...or dare I say someone from your local Jaguar club?!

Best Regards,
Patrick McLoad
JC Houston

Katrina,

I have a working stereo from my Series 3 that I replaced with a modern unit. I would sell it for $50.00 money back if it doesn't work. It was working when I pulled it out. Cost to install would be a big variable depending a lot of things such as existing console and speakers, etc. Contact me at bandbjagscox.net if you're interested.

BobA
89 XJ40 Vanden Plas
72 E Type 2+2