Citsncycles XM

[citsncycles]

Well a bit of progress the last week, Had another day at the barn when it started raining as soon as I got there, so got the XM under cover and changed the oil, then rubbed down the bonnet to try the cans of paint I got mixed up. It's a bit stripy as the wind was blowing a bit, but at least I know it's a pretty good colour match. I also took the oportunity to blow across the tops of the wings, which had faded. Will need another blow over when I get a free day with no wind, but it's getting there.



I also got a pair of Alpine speakers from the local factors to replace the original rear speakers, as I could hear how awful they were now I had new front speakers fitted. As you can see, they were in the same state as the fronts - hardly surprising as they were the same make. These were more fiddly to fit, especially as the Haynes book was vague to the point of being almost useless about accessing them, but at least the loom plugs straight into these and I now have nice distortion free sounds which I tested with 'Mars' from 'The Planets', some Tenacious D and finally a couple of Spike Jones tracks!



I also managed to buy the front light unit I needed after being pointed to its Ebay listing (thanks by the way) so am awaiting it's arrival.

[jonathan_dyane]

I wonder if you could explain how you replace the rear speakers and also share the model of the replacement alpine speakers? That job's on my jobcard too!

[citsncycles]

I'l have to look up the model No. but here's a quick run down on the speaker fitting:

Open the tailgate, clip up the inner screen (where fitted) and remove the rear shelf.
lever up the front edge of the speaker grill, then lift it up and forwards.
The speakers are in a panel separate to the inner wing liner, held in place by 2 screws and a large clip thing (good technical term that!). One screw is in the front corner of the speaker mounting panel where it overlaps the inner wing liner, the other is above the speaker and under the rear quarter window, and covered by the speaker grill. Once these are removed you can lift the leading edge of the panel where the seat belt comes out. Once it is clear of the bolster cushion it can be wiggled left and right while pulling the front edge forwards and towards the centre of the car. This will disengage the panel from a large clip on the rear pillar. The seatbelt can be removed by sliding it through a slot in the bottom of the aperture it passes through, and the wire to the speaker simply unplugs. The speaker itself is held in with torque screws, and is easy to remove and replace once the panel is out.

Refitting is a reverse of removal as they say - locate the panel under the head if the large clip on the pillar first, then work the panel back into position. You may also find the acoustic material under the grill is falling off or disintegrating - it's simply stuck in place.

If I get a chance I'l try to take a couple of pics in the next day or 2.

[Dieselman]

You could have repaired those speakers with some gaffer tape strips.

[White Exec]

Oh, pleeease....!

[citsncycles]

You could have repaired those speakers with some gaffer tape strips.

You've seen Timex then?

Didn't get a chance to take any pics last night (was busy collecting some AX bits), but the speakers used in the back were Alpine SXE-2325S ones. They're 220w Peak / 35w RMS, and seem a good match to the original Clarion radio that's fitted.

[onza100]

Are you on the axoc also then? I have lots of Ax's.

[citsncycles]

Just joined, and waiting for my full membership to be processed. I'm also on BXC, the Visa Freeforum and the CCC forum.

I was over at Thododd's last night collecting some spare calipers for the GT I've just bought.

[onza100]

Ah cool. If you get stuck for ax bits give me a shout I've got lots.

[Dieselman]

Oh, pleeease....!

You've seen Timex then?

Ummm... My Cobalt car has Ahem...repaired speakers.