Product Description
If You Don't Own the Convertible
The classic 1968 Firebird also came as a convertible. If you don't own one, you might soon. The USA-230 is so powerful it might blow the roof off your Firebird and turn it into a convertible.
That's the kind of sound you can expect from the USA-230. Its performance is second to none and can change the feel of your car the moment you turn it on.
How the USA-230 Changes Your Car
Put this radio in your classic 1968 Firebird and watch your car change. The USA-230's 200 watts of power fill your interior and shake the roof until it almost comes off.
A power antenna lead helps pull in your stations clearly, with little static or interference, so your music is free to lift the roof.
You also get plenty of choice. The USA-230 has 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM), so you can enjoy a variety of music and talk. Its electronic tuner makes sure you don't miss the stations you like.
Finally, with the 4-way fader, 4-channel RCA pre-outs and 1/8" aux jack, you can set up the USA-230 to turn your hardtop into a convertible in no time.
The Power Is in the Radio
Blow the roof off your classic 1968 Firebird with one of the top radios available today. It has the power, and with its built-in digital clock, you can even time when the roof comes off.
Top radios like the Custom Autosound USA-230 know how to change a car and give you the sound you like.
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
1968 Firebird USA-230 In Dash AM/FM: Your Questions Answered
Do I need to modify the 1968 Firebird dash to install it?
This version is built for the 1968 Firebird and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
What can the USA-230 do?
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.
How does the USA-230 handle phone audio and connections?
The electronic tuner stores 16 presets, 12 FM and 4 AM. It's rated at 200 watts (4x50) and has 4-channel RCA pre-outs, so you can add an outboard amplifier later.
Can I buy speakers and an antenna at the same time?
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), kick panels (W/Speakers, W/O Speakers, and Pioneer Upgrade), and an antenna (Hideaway Antenna and Power Antenna).
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 Firebird
- 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 Firebird
- This radio is sold for the factory Firebird 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 Firebird USA-230
Will this fit my 1968 Firebird without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1968 Firebird 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.
