In the classic car audio world, few decisions generate more discussion than choosing the right radio brand for your restoration. Two names that regularly come up are Custom Autosound and Ken Harrison. While both offer modern upgrades for vintage cars, their philosophies, feature sets, and targeted customers differ. Below, we break down what each brand brings to the table—and which might suit your build better.
Background & Brand Focus
Custom Autosound is a well-established name in the classic car radio space, offering radios designed to drop into factory dash openings without cutting. Their lineup includes models like the USA-230, USA-630, USA-740, and newer designs like the Slidebar, which combine vintage aesthetics with modern features like Bluetooth, USB, and RCA pre-outs. Their products emphasize a balance of authenticity and functionality.
Ken Harrison, on the other hand, is less of a broad classic radio brand and more of a specialty firm, frequently offering radios tailored to specific makes/models (especially Ford and Mustang applications). For example, Ken Harrison radios like the “KHE 300” series are sold for classic Mustangs and Chevelles with built-in modern features. Their product listings often pair name-brand internal radios (Kenwood, Pioneer) and Bluetooth modules as part of their custom kits.
Feature Comparison & Strengths
1. Integration & Dash Fit
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Custom Autosound radios are engineered from the ground up for classic car integration. Their models drop into factory dash slots with proper bezels and aesthetic styling.
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Ken Harrison kits often adapt modern electronics into classic housings or offer custom harnesses and faceplates for specific vehicle applications. Their focus is more on providing a modern radio for a classic car than universally fitting a wide range of models.
2. Modern Capabilities
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Custom Autosound’s upper models (USA-740 and Slidebar) come with built-in Bluetooth, USB, multiple pre-outs, color display options, and subwoofer support.
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Ken Harrison radios, from listings, include Bluetooth, USB, and MP3/CD playback in many of their radio kits (for Mustangs, etc.) via leveraging existing audio technology.
3. Target Audience & Use Case
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Custom Autosound aims at enthusiasts who want to preserve dash aesthetics while adding modern features across many vehicle types.
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Ken Harrison appeals more to owners of specific classic models (especially Mustangs) who want a plug-in radio solution tailored for their car.
Trade-offs & Considerations
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Authenticity: Custom Autosound often carries a stronger emphasis on preserving vintage looks while hiding modern functionality.
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Customization: Ken Harrison’s approach offers flexibility in choosing internal components (Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.) under custom housings, which can give more user control over internal parts.
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Support & Ecosystem: Custom Autosound has an established dealer network and mainstream recognition in the classic radio world. Ken Harrison is more niche, which can mean less broad support, but sometimes very specialized service for certain car models.
Conclusion & Recommendation
If your goal is a radio that looks native in multiple classic vehicles—preserving dash integrity while delivering modern sound—Custom Autosound is generally the safer choice. Their product line and reputation support a wide range of builds and levels of performance.
If, however, your build is specific (for example, a particular Mustang or Chevelle) and you want a custom solution that integrates modern electronics under a classic appearance in a more bespoke fashion, Ken Harrison could offer a more tailored route.
At Vintage Car Radio, we often guide broad restorers toward Custom Autosound for versatility and dash-friendly design. But for owners of model-specific builds who want a plug-and-play radio matched to their car’s style, Ken Harrison offers an intriguing alternative.
Would you like me to also prepare a feature comparison chart or a case study (Custom Autosound vs Ken Harrison in a Mustang, for instance)?