Product Description
Everyone enjoys rebuilding their dream car. For the classic 1965 Oldsmobile, Vintage Car Radio offers the USA-230 by Custom Autosound. With the USA-230, you can listen to your favorite stations wherever you go, and its 200 watts deliver powerful, distortion-free sound.
USA-230
The Custom Autosound USA-230 is a great choice for classic car or truck owners who want a simpler radio without giving up quality electronics or classic styling. It's designed to fit the stock dash with no modifications. The USA-230 for the 1965 Oldsmobile looks the same as the USA-630 but has no USB port, iPod dock or CD changer control. Its auxiliary input connects to iPods, iPhones, satellite radio tuners or any device with a headphone jack. It also has 4-channel RCA pre-outs, a digital display with an electronic tuner, 16 presets and a 4-way fader.
The Custom Autosound USA-230 is a modern radio that fits your classic without cutting the dash. It has 200 watts of power and a rear auxiliary input for an iPod, iPhone, Android phone, satellite radio tuner or any device with a headphone jack. The USA-230's mounting depth is 6.5 inches.
Features:
• In FM-AM mode, stereo works.
• 200 Watts of voltage capacity
• Auxiliary input on the back with a 1/8' pin jack Digitalized clock
• Tuner for electronic devices
• Pre-sets of sixteen radio stations with frequencies ranging from 12 FM to 4 AM
• RCA pre-outs for four channels
• A four-way fader
• Wireless antenna with a lot of power
These radios are designed to look like the factory original that came with your car, but with modern electronics. You get the factory look with the sound quality you're used to in today's cars.
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
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Radio, USA-230: Frequently Asked Questions
Is this radio made specifically for the 1965 Oldsmobile 442?
This listing is the version made for the 1965 Oldsmobile 442, designed to go into the original dash opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
Does it look like the original radio?
The 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Radio, USA-230 is styled to look like the factory radio, so your dash keeps its period appearance.
What features does the USA-230 have?
It has a digital clock, a 4-way fader and a power antenna lead. 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.
What can I add to my 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Radio, USA-230 order?
The options on this page let you add a front dual voice coil speaker, a rear 6x9 speaker pair (Custom Autosound 6x9 Speaker Pair and Upgraded Pioneer Speaker Pair), and a hideaway antenna.
How does the USA-230 handle phone audio and connections?
It's rated at 200 watts (4x50) and has 4-channel RCA pre-outs, so you can add an outboard amplifier later. It skips the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control found on the USA-630, but keeps the same look.
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 1965 442
- 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 1965 442
- This radio is sold for the factory 442 opening used in 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 — 1965 442 USA-230
Will this fit my 1965 442 without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1965 442 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.
