Product Description
1968 was the first year of a new El Camino on the redesigned GM A-body, sharing its front end and dash with the Chevelle. If you are restoring or driving a 1968 El Camino, the Custom Autosound USA-230 for the 1968 El Camino fits the factory radio opening and adds modern AM/FM and an auxiliary input.
Fit for the 1968 El Camino
This version is built for the 1968 El Camino dash. Custom Autosound designs its radios to install without altering or cutting the original dash. The order form also asks a few questions so we send the right setup:
- Factory Air: Yes or No, because air conditioning affects the space behind the dash
- Voltage: 6 or 12
- Ground: Negative or Positive
The USA-230 itself is a 12-volt negative ground radio. If your El Camino has been converted or has an unusual electrical setup, tell us when you order and we will help.
Radio Features
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs
- 4-way fader
- 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
The USA-230 has the same look as the USA-630 but skips USB and CD changer control. There's no cassette, so the rear auxiliary input is how you play a phone, MP3 player or satellite tuner.
Add-Ons
- Front dual voice coil speaker
- Rear 6x9 speaker pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer
- Kick panels with speakers, without speakers or with a Pioneer upgrade
- Hideaway antenna
An El Camino has no back seat, so many owners use kick panels for front stereo speakers and a pair of speakers behind the seat area.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Before Installing
Disconnect the battery, check the wiring behind the dash and use a fused power feed with a solid ground. An auto radio specialist can install the radio if you prefer. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
Face and Knobs
The USA-230 comes with a black or chrome face, so you can match the look of your El Camino's dash. Because it shares the USA-630's styling, it also suits owners who may want to step up to the USA-630 in another car later. Either way, the radio looks like it belongs in a late-1960s Chevrolet rather than a modern add-on.
Custom Autosound 1968 El Camino USA-230 FAQ
Will it fit my 1968 El Camino?
Yes. This version is made for the 1968 El Camino dash and fits the factory opening.
Why does the order ask about factory air?
Air conditioning affects the space behind the dash, so we use your answer to send the correct setup.
Does it work in a positive ground car?
The radio is 12-volt negative ground. Choose your voltage and ground when ordering, and contact us if your car is not 12-volt negative ground.
Does it have USB?
No. It has a rear auxiliary input. The USA-630 adds USB.
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 1968 El Camino
- 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 El Camino
- This radio is sold for the factory El Camino opening used in 1968 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 El Camino USA-230
Will this fit my 1968 El Camino without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1968 El Camino 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.
