Project Range Rover 4.4 V8

Music to one's ears

PART FOUR: Sam Skelton replaces the original radio with a modern Android unit.

The time has come to fit my new Android radio to the Range Rover project. And, as I said last month, that I’d explain why here. The original system was excellent for its day, twenty years ago – but new roads have rendered the sat-nav out-ofdate, the units themselves are prone to water damage (in the boot), and not only is there no DAB there’s no hands-free phone capability. Courtesy of China, it’s possible to buy an Android unit that solves all these problems and looks at home, albeit one finished in black for its intended home in a BMW E39 5-series. So having sprayed mine to match the rest of the facia, as seen in Part 3, it was ready to fit. However, while I’m reasonably competent when it comes to electrical stuff, I know my limitations.

So, I turned to my friend Simon Heap, who has been undertaking OEM-look upgrades since the 1980s, notably the visually accurate retrofitting of Trafficmaster into an Austin Maestro complete with laser-etched surround panel, and fitment of rear electric windows using top-spec Montego components. I knew that if I wanted this to look like a factory installation, Simon’s help would be invaluable.

Which is why, one wet weekend earlier this year, I drove the hundred or so miles to Simon’s house in Derbyshire with a bag of bottled beer, a toolkit, and all the assembled components for the radio installation. While what I have done seems tempting, hopefully these images will show that it is a huge undertaking and not one to be considered lightly.

It’s worth noting that this guide is only suitable for cars fitted with the television and sat-nav arrangement from the factory. SE and HSE models with the in-dash CD player have the radio wiring in the dashboard, rather than in the boot like my Vogue (or SE/HSE models with the options ticked). It’s also worth noting that the process in general is similar for the BMW E39, though with different fixings and trim to remove along the way.

LAYING CABLES

1 It seems odd that the replacement of the radio should begin in the boot, but that’s where BMW in its infinite wisdom decided that all the in-car entertainment ECUs should live. The first step of the process is therefore to clear out the boot and remove the parcel shelf.

2 It’s necessary to remove all the trim in the rear – not just the removable side panels and removable floor. At the back there are four small hooks intended to fasten luggage down, two below the parcel shelf and two further down. Twist these by 90° and they will pull out. They can break but Rimmer Bros can supply replacements.

3 You will also need to remove the tie-down hook from the floor. They’re fixed in position by 6mm Allen headed bolts. With these removed, the carpeted trims at the r