Product Description
The 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass was a stylish, well-equipped A-body, and the 442 package made it a serious performer. Whether yours is a cruiser or a restored 442, the Custom Autosound USA-230 for the 1965 Cutlass gives you modern radio reception and an auxiliary input in a unit made for the factory dash opening.
Made for the 1965 Cutlass
This version of the USA-230 is configured for the 1965 Cutlass. Custom Autosound radios are designed to fit without altering or cutting the original dash, so the car keeps its factory appearance.
About the USA-230
The USA-230 shares the USA-630's styling but drops the USB port, iPod connection and CD changer control. That keeps it simple and affordable. It's a good match if you mostly listen to the radio and occasionally plug in a phone.
Specifications
- Digital clock
- Power antenna lead
- Black or chrome face
- 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
Options on This Page
Choose any of these in the same order:
- A front dual voice coil speaker, carrying both channels through a single dash speaker
- A rear 6x9 speaker pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer
- Kick panels with speakers, without speakers or with a Pioneer upgrade
- A hideaway antenna that keeps the fenders clean
With 50 watts per channel and four outputs, the USA-230 can drive kick panel speakers up front and a pair of 6x9s in the rear deck.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Why Not a Universal Stereo?
A universal stereo usually means cutting the dash or using an awkward bracket, and it rarely looks right in a 1960s Oldsmobile. A vehicle-specific radio avoids all that. The knobs and face line up with the dash, and the radio fits like it belongs.
Before You Install
The USA-230 needs a 12-volt negative ground system. Use a fused power source and a good ground, and bench test before final mounting. An auto radio specialist can install it if you prefer. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
Pick a Face Finish
Custom Autosound offers the USA-230 with a black or chrome face. Chrome complements the bright trim found on many 1960s Oldsmobile dashes, while black blends in with darker dashes. Whichever you choose, the electronic tuner and digital display give you clear, stable reception and easy station changes every time you drive.
Custom Autosound 1965 Cutlass USA-230 FAQ
Is this radio made for the 1965 Cutlass?
Yes. This version fits the 1965 Cutlass factory radio opening.
How do I play music from my phone?
Use the rear auxiliary input. An RCA to 1/8-inch cable is included.
Can I add speakers?
Yes. Options include a dual voice coil dash speaker, rear 6x9s and kick panels.
Can I add an amplifier later?
Yes. It has 4-channel RCA pre-outs.
What is the warranty?
Custom Autosound radios carry a 2-year warranty.
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 Cutlass
- 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 Cutlass
- This radio is sold for the factory Cutlass 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 Cutlass USA-230
Will this fit my 1965 Cutlass without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1965 Cutlass 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.
