How to Remove Radio from Ser 3 XJ-6

A few days ago, Gunnar Helliesen asked how to remove the radio from his series 3 XJ6. I just found the original factory installation instructions and diagram for the radio in my Ser. 3 '86 XJ6, which identifies the radio as part number AJ 8600.

Here's what you do:

(It's a good idea to disconnect the battery first, just in case you have flaky insulation on the wiring behind the radio.)

1. Pull off the plastic trim ring from the faceplate of the radio. Mine sometimes falls off all by itself. Must be made of Lucas plastic!
2. Pull off the two large knobs from the air conditioning control panel.
3. Undo the two mounting nuts that secure the air conditioning control panel, and withdraw the panel. The nuts are quite deeply recessed in the holes behind the knobs. The instructions mention a special wrench for removing the nuts. I haven't had a chance to look in there to see what is required.
4. The factory secured the radio with four plastic pop-rivets. These are installed in two metal tabs on either side of the radio. Evidently they thought these radios would never require service! You'll need to drill out the rivets, after which the radio can be withdrawn far enough to disconnect two multi-pin connectors, the antenna cable and the ground strap.

Just think, radio thieves can do all of this in about 5 1/2 seconds :-(

When re-installing the radio, you can use four sheet-metal screws instead of rivets.

Good luck!