Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-230 1939-1940
Finding a Radio Isn't Complicated
When you're restoring a 1939-40 Ford, you may find original radios hard to come by, and new ones don't fit the dash. You might start to think all is lost.
Don't give up yet. There's a great radio for your classic Ford: the USA-230, made by Custom Autosound to fit your 1939-40 Ford's dash.
Why Choose the USA-230
That's a fair question. You need to know if the radio meets your standards and fits your car. For starters, the USA-230 has 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM).
Getting to your favorite station is easy. The electronic tuner and a power antenna lead help keep static and interference out of your listening.
You also get a 1/8" aux input jack, a 4-way fader and 4-channel RCA pre-outs to get the sound you want, all powered by 200 watts. The Custom Autosound USA-230 has the power you want in your classic Ford.
Topping it all off is the digital clock, so you and your Ford always arrive on time.
There Is Hope
The USA-230 stands out among radios for your classic 1939-40 Ford, because it delivers the sound you want and fits your car. That makes it a top radio for your classic.
Old Cars
were built simply, and they drove sweet. No extras, no mess, just you, the car and the road. The classic 1939-40 Ford is just like that.
Now there's a simple, sweet radio to match: the Custom Autosound USA-230. It's not complicated, and it has a sweet sound. It's the perfect match for your 1939-40 Ford.
What Makes the USA-230 So Sweet
It's the simplicity of the radio and how it all fits together. No feature overshadows another. They all work in simple harmony to give your classic Ford great sound.
With 200 watts of power behind it, the Custom Autosound USA-230 delivers on that promise, and a power antenna lead helps the electronic tuner pull in your stations.
With 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM), your classic Ford gets the sound it deserves. The 4-channel RCA pre-outs, 1/8" aux jack and 4-way fader give you the connections you need for sweet sound throughout your car.
A digital clock shows you the time whenever you glance at the USA-230.
A Radio Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
to give you that sweet, simple sound so many artists create. All you need is the simple, sweet USA-230 to make your classic 1939-40 Ford move to the beat.
Simple but sweet: that's a good way to describe the USA-230.
1939-1940 Custom Autosound USA-230: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to modify the 1939-1940 Custom Autosound dash to install it?
This version is built for the 1939-1940 Custom Autosound and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
What can the USA-230 do?
There's a rear RCA auxiliary input, and Custom Autosound includes an RCA to 1/8" pin jack cable for phones, MP3 players or satellite tuners. It skips the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control found on the USA-630, but keeps the same look.
Which add-ons are offered with this radio?
You can add a front dual voice coil speaker, a rear 6x9 speaker pair (Custom Autosound 6x9 Speaker Pair and Upgraded Pioneer Speaker Pair), kick panels (W/Speakers, W/O Speakers, and Pioneer Upgrade), and a hideaway antenna right from the options above.
What do I get with the USA-230 in my 1939-1940 Custom Autosound?
It's rated at 200 watts (4x50) and has 4-channel RCA pre-outs, so you can add an outboard amplifier later. The electronic tuner stores 16 presets, 12 FM and 4 AM.
USA-230 specifications
- 200 watts peak power (50W x 4)
- AM/FM stereo tuner
- RCA auxiliary input
- 12 FM and 4 AM presets
- Electronic tuning and volume
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs for an external amplifier
- Separate bass and treble controls
- 4-way fader and left/right balance
- Power antenna lead
- Designed for original classic dash openings (no DIN cut required for vehicle-specific faceplates)
- Custom Autosound 2-year manufacturer warranty
USA-230 wiring and tech tips
Use this as a head-unit reference for power, ground, antenna, speakers, and amplifier connections. Always match the printed diagram that ships with your unit if it differs.
Power and ground (typical Custom Autosound harness)
| Function | Wire color |
|---|---|
| Ignition / ACC +12V | Red |
| Battery / constant +12V | Yellow |
| Ground | Black |
| Power antenna | Blue |
Ignition and power-antenna leads are commonly fused at 1A on the harness—confirm against the guide that ships with your radio.
Speaker wiring (typical)
| Speaker | Wire color |
|---|---|
| Left front + / − | White / White-Black |
| Right front + / − | Gray / Gray-Black |
| Left rear + / − | Green / Green-Black |
| Right rear + / − | Violet (or Purple) / Violet-Black |
USA-230 extras
Use the rear RCA AUX for a wired player. Pre-outs support adding an amplifier later without replacing the radio.
Suggested order for a 1939-1940 Ford
- Disconnect the vehicle battery before any wiring.
- Connect ground first, then constant (yellow) and ignition (red).
- Connect the antenna plug and the blue power-antenna lead if your car has a power antenna.
- Wire all four speakers, matching polarity.
- If using an amplifier, run RCA cables from the front/rear (and sub on USA-740/USA-850) pre-outs.
- Reconnect the battery and test radio, speakers, and charging system voltage.
Tech tips for 1939-1940 Ford
- This radio is sold for the factory Ford opening used in 1939-1940 models—do not cut a modern DIN rectangle if you want a stock look.
- A poor ground is the most common cause of whine or weak audio; scrape paint at the ground point and use a star washer.
- If AM reception is weak, check the antenna mast, cable continuity, and that the antenna plug is fully seated.
- Vintage Car Radio does not install radios. If you are not comfortable with 12V wiring, use a qualified installer.
USA-230 manuals
Download the manufacturer guide for operation, safety, and the official wiring diagram. You can also browse our full library on the Manuals page.
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation. The manuals are for do-it-yourself reference or to share with your installer.
Two-Year Custom Autosound Warranty
All Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio are backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty from Custom Autosound.
Radios are checked before shipping. If something is wrong out of the box or under warranty, call us at 844-802-4499 or 574-226-6676 and we will help coordinate with the manufacturer.
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation services. Refer to the Manuals and Wiring / Tech Tips sections for manufacturer guidance, or use a qualified car-audio installer.
FAQ — 1939-1940 Ford USA-230
Will this fit my 1939-1940 Ford without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1939-1940 Ford models. Compare your dash opening and bezel to the product photos. We do not modify dashes in-house.
Does this radio have Bluetooth?
The USA-230 is a wired/AUX-focused radio without built-in Bluetooth. Consider a USA-740 or USA-850 if you want Bluetooth built in.
Do I need an amplifier?
Many owners run speakers directly from the radio. Pre-outs are there if you want more volume or a subwoofer later.
Do you install the radio?
No. Vintage Car Radio ships the unit and documentation; installation is DIY or by a shop you choose.
What is the warranty?
Custom Autosound radios include a 2-year manufacturer warranty. See the Warranty section for details.
Need help?
Call 844-802-4499 or 574-226-6676.
Specs
Wiring / Tech Tips
Manuals
Warranty
Two-Year Custom Autosound Warranty
All Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio are backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty from Custom Autosound.
Radios are checked before shipping. If something is wrong out of the box or under warranty, call us at 844-802-4499 or 574-226-6676 and we will help coordinate with the manufacturer.
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation services. Refer to the Manuals and Wiring / Tech Tips sections for manufacturer guidance, or use a qualified car-audio installer.
