Product Description
The Custom Autosound USA-230 for the 1965-69 Chevrolet Corvair gives the second-generation Corvair a dependable AM/FM stereo with a period look. Custom Autosound designed it to fit the stock dash without modifications, so the Corvair's instrument panel stays uncut and the radio looks like it belongs there. It is the straightforward choice for owners who want good radio reception, more power and a way to plug in a phone, without paying for features they will not use.
USA-230 or USA-630?
Custom Autosound says the USA-230 has the same appearance and the same core features as its USA-630, minus the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control. If you plan to play music from a phone through the auxiliary input, or you mostly listen to the radio, the USA-230 covers what you need. If you want a USB flash drive input or the CD-1 player, look at the USA-630 instead.
Features
- AM/FM stereo
- 200 watts (4 x 50)
- Rear RCA auxiliary input with an RCA to 1/8-inch cable included
- Digital clock
- Electronic tuner
- 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM)
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs
- 4-way fader
- Power antenna lead
Plugging In Your Phone
The included cable runs from the rear RCA auxiliary input to a 1/8-inch plug, the same size as a standard headphone jack. That lets you connect an iPhone, an Android phone with a headphone adapter, an MP3 player or a satellite radio tuner. Route the cable to the glove box or under the dash so it is easy to reach but out of sight.
A Good Match for the Corvair
The 1965-69 Corvair is a light, rear-engine car with a fairly quiet cabin at cruising speed, so even a modest speaker setup sounds good with the USA-230's power. Many Corvairs have a single dash speaker. The options on this page let you add a front dual voice coil speaker, which carries both stereo channels from that one location, and a rear 6x9 speaker pair, either Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer, to fill out the sound. A hideaway antenna is also offered if you want to keep the body free of a mast antenna.
Room to Grow
The 4-channel RCA pre-outs mean you can add an amplifier or a small subwoofer later without replacing the radio. Many owners start with the radio and new speakers, then add power if they want more.
Electrical Notes
The USA-230 runs on 12 volts negative ground, which is what the 1965-69 Corvair uses. Check that the car's grounds are clean and tight before installing, since a poor ground is the most common cause of noise in any car radio.
Installation
The radio is designed to go into the factory opening with no cutting. Disconnect the battery, follow the wiring diagram, and test everything before the dash is reassembled. A qualified installer can also handle it if you prefer.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
1965-69 Corvair USA-230 FAQ
Will it fit my Corvair without cutting?
Yes. This version is made for the 1965-69 Corvair's factory radio opening.
Can I connect my phone?
Yes, through the rear auxiliary input. Custom Autosound includes the RCA to 1/8-inch cable.
Does it have USB?
No. The USA-230 skips the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control found on the USA-630.
How much power does it have?
200 watts (4 x 50), plus 4-channel RCA pre-outs for an amplifier.
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 1965-1969 Corvair
- 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 1965-1969 Corvair
- This radio is sold for the factory Corvair opening used in 1965-1969 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 — 1965-1969 Corvair USA-230
Will this fit my 1965-1969 Corvair without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1965-1969 Corvair 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.
