Product Description
The USA-230 is a classic-style car stereo made by Custom Autosound, a company that specializes in vintage-look radios with modern features for classics like the 1968-81 Buick Riviera. Here's what you need to know.
Vintage Appearance
This stereo fits the dash without modifications. It looks like the USA-630 but has no CD changer control or USB port. Its features include a digital clock, presets and a power antenna lead.
Tuner and Auxiliary Input
The USA-230 has an electronic tuner that holds its stations on bumpy roads. It has 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM), unlike the original radio, which had AM only. A rear 1/8-inch aux jack lets you plug in your phone or MP3 player, and the radio has 200 watts of power.
Channel Outputs
The USA-230 has 4-channel RCA pre-amp outputs, so you can add a 4-channel amplifier to improve sound quality, and a 4-way fader to customize the sound.
Simple Installation
Custom Autosound ships the USA-230 pre-assembled, so there are no parts to put together, and it's designed to fit your dash. You can also add accessories, such as an aux extension mounted near the cigarette lighter for easy access.
Upgrade Your 1968-81 Buick Riviera With the USA-230
If you want a retro-style stereo for your classic, the Custom Autosound USA-230 is an excellent choice. It fits a range of classic cars, including the 1968-81 Buick Riviera, is well built, and comes with a two-year Custom Autosound warranty.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About the 1968-81 Buick Riviera USA-230 In Dash AM/FM
Will it fit my 1968-81 Buick Riviera without cutting the dash?
This version is built for the 1968-81 Buick Riviera and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
Why does the order ask about factory air?
Select Yes or No under Factory Air so we send the correct setup for your 1968-81 Buick Riviera's dash.
What can I add to my 1968-81 Buick Riviera 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 a hideaway antenna right from the options above.
Will it work with a 6-volt system?
The order form has Voltage (12 volt and 6 volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) options, so set them to match your 1968-81 Buick Riviera.
What do I get with the USA-230 in my 1968-81 Buick Riviera?
It has a digital clock, a 4-way fader and a power antenna lead. It skips the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control found on the USA-630, but keeps the same look.
What else should I know about the USA-230?
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's rated at 200 watts (4x50) and has 4-channel RCA pre-outs, so you can add an outboard amplifier later.
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 1968-1981 Riviera
- 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 1968-1981 Riviera
- This radio is sold for the factory Riviera opening used in 1968-1981 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 — 1968-1981 Riviera USA-230
Will this fit my 1968-1981 Riviera without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1968-1981 Riviera 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.
