Product Description
The USA-230 Meets the 1969-72 El Camino
The El Camino is a hybrid, part car and part pickup. Its unique look made it great to drive, with room to haul. Pair it with a purist and it's a match made in heaven.
The USA-230 is the purist, giving El Camino owners pure music pleasure. Pairing it with the 1969-72 El Camino is a smart move.
Inside the Matchup
Install the purist in the hybrid and you get 200 watts of power filling every corner with great music.
One touch tells the built-in electronic tuner which of the 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM) you want.
A power antenna lead helps with reception, and with 4-channel RCA pre-outs, a 4-way fader and a 1/8-inch aux jack, the purist does its job effortlessly.
Finally, a digital clock keeps you on time while the sound in your 1969-72 El Camino carries you away.
The Custom Autosound USA-230 Works Well With the El Camino
When unique pairings work, they really work. The USA-230 gives your 1969-72 El Camino the sound it's been waiting for, as if they were made for each other.
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 1969-72 El Camino USA-230 In Dash AM/FM
Is this radio made specifically for the 1969-72 El Camino?
This listing is the version made for the 1969-72 El Camino, designed to go into the original dash opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
What if my 1969-72 El Camino has air conditioning?
The Factory Air option tells us which dash layout your 1969-72 El Camino has, so pick Yes if it has factory A/C.
What features does the USA-230 have?
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 has a digital clock, a 4-way fader and a power antenna lead.
What else should I know about the USA-230?
It skips the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control found on the USA-630, but keeps the same look. The electronic tuner stores 16 presets, 12 FM and 4 AM.
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 a hideaway antenna.
What can the USA-230 do?
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 1969-1972 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 1969-1972 El Camino
- This radio is sold for the factory El Camino opening used in 1969-1972 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 — 1969-1972 El Camino USA-230
Will this fit my 1969-1972 El Camino without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1969-1972 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.