Product Description
The 1957-58 Buick Special wears some of the boldest chrome of the decade, and its dash is a big part of that look. This Custom Autosound USA-230 is the version for the 1957-58 Special, giving you AM/FM stereo and an auxiliary input without cutting into that dash.
Fit and Ordering
This listing is built for the 1957-58 Buick Special, so the radio is intended to fit the factory opening without modification and the car can always go back to stock.
When you order, the form asks for:
- Factory Air (Yes or No)
- Voltage (12 volt or 6 volt)
- Ground (Negative or Positive)
About the Radio
Custom Autosound built the USA-230 on the success of its USA-630. It has the same styling but leaves out the USB port and CD changer control, which makes it a simple, good-value choice for owners who mostly listen to the radio. There is no cassette; a rear auxiliary input handles a phone, MP3 player or satellite radio tuner instead.
Why a Vehicle-Specific Radio
A universal stereo usually means cutting the dash or using an awkward bracket, and it rarely looks right in a classic. A radio made for your vehicle fits the original opening, keeps the knobs and face where they belong and can be removed later if you ever want to go back to the factory radio.
Specifications
- AM/FM stereo with an electronic tuner
- 16 presets (12 FM and 4 AM)
- 200 watts (50 watts x 4)
- 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
Add-Ons
- 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
Sound for a Big Buick
A Special has a wide, roomy cabin. With four 50-watt channels and a 4-way fader, the USA-230 can drive a dash speaker and a pair of rear 6x9s for sound that reaches the back seat. The 4-channel pre-outs leave room for an amplifier if you want more.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Getting It Installed
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.
Bench test the radio before final mounting, use a fused power source and make a clean ground connection. If you would rather not do the wiring yourself, an auto radio specialist can install it. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
Custom Autosound 1957-58 Buick Special USA-230 FAQ
Will it fit my 1957-58 Buick Special?
Yes. This version is made for the 1957-58 Buick Special dash.
Does the USA-230 have USB?
No. It has a rear auxiliary input instead. Step up to the USA-630 if you want USB.
Can it run in my 6-volt Buick?
The radio needs 12-volt negative ground. Choose your system in the Voltage and Ground menus and we will help with a Custom Autosound converter.
How many presets are there?
16: 12 FM and 4 AM.
What is the warranty?
2 years from Custom Autosound.
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 1957-1958 Buick Special
- 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 1957-1958 Buick Special
- This radio is sold for the factory Buick Special opening used in 1957-1958 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 — 1957-1958 Buick Special USA-230
Will this fit my 1957-1958 Buick Special without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1957-1958 Buick Special 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.
