Product Description
The 1954-56 Buick Century put Buick's big V8 in its lighter body for strong performance. This Custom Autosound USA-230 is the 1954-56 Buick Century version, made to keep a classic look in the dash while adding modern features.
Fit and Ordering
This listing is the 1954-56 Buick Century version of the USA-230, made for the factory radio opening. Confirm fit for your model before ordering.
When you order, the form asks for:
- Factory Air (Yes or No)
- Voltage (12 volt or 6 volt)
- Ground (Negative or Positive)
Why This Model
If you don't need USB/MP3 playback or a CD changer, the USA-230 is the model to look at. It keeps the classic USA-630 styling, adds an electronic tuner and digital clock, and lets you plug in a phone or MP3 player through the rear auxiliary input using the included cable.
The Right Fit Matters
Vehicle-specific radios are designed around the dash they go into, so the controls line up and the face sits where the original did. That makes installation simpler and the finished result looks like it came from the factory.
Features
- Rear RCA auxiliary input, with an RCA to 1/8" pin jack cable included
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs
- 4-way fader
- Digital clock
- Power antenna lead
- AM/FM stereo with an electronic tuner
- 16 presets (12 FM and 4 AM)
- 200 watts (50 watts x 4)
Build the System
- Front dual voice coil speaker, which plays both stereo channels through a single dash speaker
- Rear 6x9 speaker pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer
- Hideaway antenna
Connect Your Phone
The rear 1/8-inch aux input carries music, podcasts and navigation prompts from your phone to the car's speakers.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Choosing Add-Ons
If you are not sure which speakers or antenna to choose, tell us about your vehicle and how you use it. A car that is mostly cruised around town needs a different setup than one driven long distances, and we are happy to help you match the parts.
Electrical and Installation
Custom Autosound radios run on 12-volt negative ground. The Voltage and Ground menus tell us what your car has. For 6-volt negative ground systems Custom Autosound makes the NGVB-HC voltage booster, and for positive ground systems it makes the PGPI-HC power inverter. Contact us if you are not sure which your car needs.
Most installs go smoothly when the wiring is in good shape. Inspect it first, add a fuse to the power lead and test the radio on the bench before mounting it. An auto radio specialist can install it for you if needed. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
USA-230 for 1954-56 Buick Century FAQ
Will it fit my 1954-56 Buick Century?
This is the 1954-56 Buick Century version. Contact us to confirm fit for your year.
Can I connect my phone?
Yes, through the rear 1/8-inch auxiliary input.
Can I add a hideaway antenna?
Yes. It is offered on this page.
What is the warranty?
2 years from Custom Autosound.
How much power does it have?
200 watts (50 watts x 4).
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 1954-1956 Buick Century
- 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 1954-1956 Buick Century
- This radio is sold for the factory Buick Century opening used in 1954-1956 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 — 1954-1956 Buick Century USA-230
Will this fit my 1954-1956 Buick Century without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1954-1956 Buick Century 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.
