Updating stock radio to accept a usb and input jack?
 

I love my stock radio. i like the look of the thing, and how simple the controls are for bass and treble and fade and balance. But the tape cassete reader has gone insane, and there is no way to hook up my smart phone.

I was thinking. About disassembling the radio, and pulling out all the tape player guts. Put in a length of black plastic with an input jack and usb port just behind the tape cassette door. So, I'd get to keep the look and simple functionality of the original, stock radio. While being able to open the tape cassette door and plug in my iPhone.

What do you think? Have any of you tried this?

I think it would be a lot of work for very little return. I've never seen anyone do this, and I can't see how it would be worth the effort. I'm sure it's possible, because anything is. But I'd suggest just replacing the head unit.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142FMM...RoCp6AQAvD_BwE

Easy to install on any radio. Tune to a set radio station and it plays. Hard wires into the radio, so no static issues. I used one for years.

I have the same type in a Mopar one that is hooked up to my dealer installed 6 disc Mopar CD changer. Guessing because it is between the antenna and the radio it works so much better. Nothing like those FM Modulators that you plug into your cigarette/power plug.

There's a guy on ComancheClub that seems to know absolutely everything about stock Jeep radios and hacks them to have an AUX input. He even has instructions how to.

I think his name is Minuit? He's probably a member here and lots of other places too.

Honestly I've considered doing it since the aftermarket radios are all ugly flashing light seizure inducing disco inspired garbage with terrible interfaces, or they're about $1500.

hey.. I found this youtube vid of a guy who does it to his '95 Grand.

I'm thinking this is going to be a doable process. I agree with 2drx4 on his opinion of the aftermarket radios.. BLECH... shiny, glitzy, flashy, cheap plastic things with zillions of silly options that no one needs. My factory radio has clear sound, and the controls are intuitive and simple.

I'm doing this. I'll report on it when I make the conversion.

Yes. Minuit

For what it's worth - I would just upgrade to a newer head unit.

You gain a bit more consistent amplification, 7+ band equalizer, proper bluetooth + microphone, and alot now can customize the color to match your interior lighting.

I just ordered one of these. Not sure how well it works yet but I too want to keep the stock headunit in the 95 Country. I'll report back after I get a chance to use it. There'salso wired options that plug into your headphone jack.

HEIBAIGE iTape Cassette... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JPQJ4M?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Do any of the factory head units from later Chryslers fit in the XJ radio slot?
I really despise aftermarket radios, the FM reception sucks on them, to the point of being useless, and the 15 color light panels are hideous.
I love the rock solid reception of the factory radios and the "One step" controls,, no 5 steps to adjust one thing like an aftermarket job,

I've got a unit from https://www.1factoryradio.com/ and it works great. I bought early from them when they only offered AUX inputs into the factory radios. They've started offering bluetooth now. I'm planning on upgrading.

Hey, thats pretty cool - they do have the chrysler units for the 97+ XJ so I assume it would fit the older models with minimal effort.

And for what it's worth - I cut my factory antenna down to about 15" because I hate long wobbly antennas - and my KDC X701 still has excellent radio reception and even supports full HD Radio which is a HUUUUGE quality improvement over standard FM