Product Description
Custom Autosound 1977-82 Corvette USA-740 In Dash AM/FM
Vintage Car Radio specializes in radios and audio equipment for classic cars. Their newest product is a slidebar radio for the 1977-1982 Chevy Corvette.
Features:
- The bluetooth option allows you to connect your smartphone or smart device (iPod, iPhone, android phone or table) to the front panel of this radio.
- The iPod documentation is for a digital music player that can be loaded on the radio to play MP3 and WMA files from your device.
- The radio is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allows you to use your phone or tablet to make calls, play music, and more.
Installation:
The radio connects to your car's power and ground. It comes with a power cable and mounting hardware. It plugs into the cigarette lighter (12V socket). The installation of the unit takes about 1 hour.
Maintenance:
Newer cars had built-in radios, but older cars did not always have a built-in radio so that the owner could install one in their car if they prefer. The user will need to turn them back on for the radio to work once it has been installed. The radio is connected to car battery and installed separately, but it can be wired so that it turns on with the car's ignition.
Advantages of this radio:
1. The slidebar allows you to change the radio station quickly. Users can change it by pushing the bar forward or pulling it back.
2. The Bluetooth option allows you to connect to your smartphone and listen to music, make hands-free calls, and more.
Disadvantages:
1. Some users may prefer other types of car radios over this type, but some users will appreciate the slidebar and its features more than others.
2. Some users may find the installation work difficult if they are unfamiliar with electronics and car radio installation in general.
Conclusion:
Custom Autosound has made the best radio for a classic Chevy Corvette at an affordable price. It is an ideal and wonderful choice.
1977-82 Corvette USA-740 In Dash AM/FM: Frequently Asked Questions
Is this radio made specifically for the 1977-82 Corvette?
This version is built for the 1977-82 Corvette and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
What if my 1977-82 Corvette has air conditioning?
Select Yes or No under Factory Air so we send the correct setup for your 1977-82 Corvette's dash.
What features does the USA-740 have?
The AM/FM RDS tuner holds 25 presets (15 FM, 10 AM) and can auto-store the strongest stations. Custom Autosound rates it at 300 watts peak, and it adds hi-volt 4-channel RCA pre-outs plus a subwoofer line-out.
What can the USA-740 do?
There are two auxiliary inputs, a front mini jack and a rear RCA. The USB port plays MP3, WMA, FLAC and WAV files from a flash drive.
What about older positive-ground electrical systems?
The order form has Voltage (12 volt and 6 volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) options, so set them to match your 1977-82 Corvette.
What else should I know about the USA-740?
Bluetooth is built in, with a microphone included, so you can stream music and answer calls. You can pick from multiple LCD colors to match your gauges, with a dimmer, and it fully controls the optional CD-1 player.
USA-740 specifications
- Bluetooth built in (streaming and hands-free calling)
- 300 watts peak power (45W x 4 RMS, 2-ohm stable)
- AM/FM stereo tuner
- 2 AUX inputs (3.5 mm front and RCA rear)
- USB port
- Direct control for optional CD-1
- 5-channel RCA pre-outs including subwoofer pre-out and control
- 15 FM and 10 AM presets
- 7-color LCD with dimmer; RDS station/song/artist display
- DSP EQ; auto-store presets
- Electronic tuning and volume; separate bass/treble; 4-way fader; L/R balance
- Power antenna lead; digital clock
- USA/EUR/JAP/RUS tuner capability (USA default)
- Custom Autosound 2-year manufacturer warranty
USA-740 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-740 extras
Expect antenna, USB, microphone (Bluetooth), CD-1, and subwoofer RCA connections in addition to front/rear line outs. Use the front 3.5 mm AUX or rear RCA AUX for wired sources.
Suggested order for a 1977-82 Corvette
- 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 1977-82 Corvette
- This radio is sold for the factory Corvette opening used in 1977-82 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-740 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 — 1977-82 Corvette USA-740
Will this fit my 1977-82 Corvette without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1977-82 Corvette models. Compare your dash opening and bezel to the product photos. We do not modify dashes in-house.
Does this radio have Bluetooth?
Yes—Bluetooth is built into the USA-740 for streaming and hands-free calling.
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.
