Product Description
The Custom Autosound USA-230 for the 1973-88 Chevy truck is an AM/FM stereo made for the square-body generation of Chevrolet pickups and related trucks. It is designed to fit the stock dash with no modifications, so the original instrument panel stays intact while the truck gets a radio with real power, a digital tuner and a way to play music from your phone. It keeps the clean, classic look that suits these trucks and leaves out the extras that many owners never use.
Made for the Square Body
The 1973-88 Chevy truck has a huge following, from work trucks to restored show pieces. This version of the USA-230 is built for that dash opening. If your truck's dash has been changed or swapped over the years, contact us before ordering and we will help confirm fit.
Features
- AM/FM stereo
- 200 watts (4 x 50)
- Rear RCA auxiliary input, RCA to 1/8-inch cable included
- Digital clock
- Electronic tuner
- 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM)
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs
- 4-way fader
- Power antenna lead
USA-230 Compared to the USA-630
Custom Autosound says the USA-230 shares the look and core features of the USA-630, without the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control. For a truck that mostly plays the radio or music from a phone through the auxiliary input, that is all you need.
Sound in a Truck Cab
A truck cab is a different space than a car. It is smaller and flatter, and the doors and kick panels offer the best speaker locations. The 4-way fader lets you balance front and rear sound if you add speakers behind the seat, and the 200 watts of power is plenty for a cab this size. The options on this page include a front dual voice coil speaker, which plays both channels from the single dash location, a rear 6x9 speaker pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer, and a hideaway antenna that keeps a mast off the fender.
Phone and Music
The rear auxiliary input works with a phone, an MP3 player or a satellite radio tuner, and Custom Autosound includes the RCA to 1/8-inch cable. Many owners route the cable to the glove box or under the dash edge so it is easy to reach.
Adding an Amplifier
The 4-channel RCA pre-outs let you add an outboard amplifier or a compact subwoofer later. That makes the USA-230 a good starting point if you plan to build the system in stages.
Installation
The radio goes into the factory opening without cutting. Disconnect the battery, check that the truck's grounds are clean and tight, and test the radio before the dash bezel goes back on. Most owners can install it with basic tools, or a qualified installer can handle it.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
1973-88 Chevy Truck USA-230 FAQ
Will it fit my truck without cutting the dash?
Yes. This version is made for the 1973-88 Chevy truck's factory radio opening.
Can I play music from my phone?
Yes, through the rear auxiliary input. The cable is included.
Does it have USB or Bluetooth built in?
No. It skips the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control found on the USA-630.
What speakers can I add?
A front dual voice coil speaker and a rear 6x9 pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer.
What is the warranty?
2 years from Custom Autosound.
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 1973-1988 Chevy Truck
- 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 1973-1988 Chevy Truck
- This radio is sold for the factory Chevy Truck opening used in 1973-1988 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 — 1973-1988 Chevy Truck USA-230
Will this fit my 1973-1988 Chevy Truck without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1973-1988 Chevy Truck 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.
