Product Description
Everything You Need to Know About the USA-230
What makes a drive more enjoyable than a good radio? Whether it's music, a favorite program or the news, a radio makes the miles go by. But nobody wants an unreliable one. The Custom Autosound USA-230 solves that problem for your 1958-65 Studebaker. Here's what you need to know.
It's Easy to Install
If you want a radio that won't force you to change anything in your 1958-65 Studebaker, the USA-230 is the one. It comes with installation instructions that make it easy and safe to install. It fits your dash perfectly without modification, and it's easy to remove if you ever want to reinstall your original radio.
Rear Auxiliary Input
Connect external music sources like an iPhone, Android phone or any device with a headphone jack through the 1/8" input.
AM/FM With a Power Antenna Lead
AM and FM give you a wide choice of stations, and the power antenna lead helps keep reception strong.
Other features include:
- AM/FM stereo
- 200 watts of power
- Digital clock
- Electronic tuner
- 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM)
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs
- 4-way fader
This radio is not compatible with an external CD player or Custom Autosound's CD-1. It has no SD card slot or USB port and is not Bluetooth-enabled.
This radio features:
● AM/FM stereo
● 200 Watts (4x50)
● Auxiliary Input (RCA Rear) RCA to 1/8" pin jack included
● Digital Clock
● Electronic Tuner
● 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM)
● 4 Channel RCA Pre-outs
● 4-way fader
● Power Antenna Lead
Available with a black or chrome face
Common Questions About the 1958-65 Studebaker USA-230 In Dash AM/FM
Is this radio made specifically for the 1958-65 Studebaker?
This listing is the version made for the 1958-65 Studebaker, designed to go into the original dash opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
How does the USA-230 handle phone audio and connections?
It has a digital clock, a 4-way fader and a power antenna lead. It's rated at 200 watts (4x50) and has 4-channel RCA pre-outs, so you can add an outboard amplifier later.
What do I get with the USA-230 in my 1958-65 Studebaker?
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.
What can I add to my 1958-65 Studebaker USA-230 In Dash AM/FM order?
You can add a front dual voice coil speaker, a rear 6x9 speaker pair (Custom Autosound 6x9 Speaker Pair and Upgraded Pioneer Speaker Pair), and an antenna (Hideaway Antenna and Power Antenna) right from the options above.
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 1958-1965 Studebaker
- 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 1958-1965 Studebaker
- This radio is sold for the factory Studebaker opening used in 1958-1965 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 — 1958-1965 Studebaker USA-230
Will this fit my 1958-1965 Studebaker without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1958-1965 Studebaker 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.
