Modern reproduction radios for classic cars are designed to blend timeless style with 21st-century convenience. One of the most popular customizable features in today’s vintage-look radios — such as those from Custom Autosound, Antique Automobile Radio, and Retrosound — is the color display. Whether you want a soft amber glow to match your factory dash lights or a bright blue display for a modern twist, adjusting the color setting is simple once you know where to look.

At Vintage Car Radio, we’re here to guide you through changing your radio’s display color — step by step.

For classic car owners, the display color is more than just decoration. It’s part of the vehicle’s overall aesthetic. Matching your radio’s illumination to your gauge cluster or dash lighting helps maintain that authentic, cohesive look. On the other hand, some enthusiasts enjoy personalizing their display to reflect their unique style — especially when their sound system is packing modern technology beneath vintage knobs.

Most modern reproduction radios come with several color options — typically green, amber, red, white, or blue — allowing you to choose one that perfectly complements your interior.

Start your vehicle or switch to accessory mode to power the radio. Make sure your display is visible before beginning.

Most units, such as the Custom Autosound USA-850 or USA-740, use a “Menu” or “Mode” button to access system settings. Press and hold this button for several seconds until the setup or configuration menu appears on the screen.

Once you’re in the menu, use the Tuning knob or Seek buttons to scroll through options. Look for a setting labeled “Display,” “Color,” “Illumination,” or “LED Color.”

When you find the display color option, press the “Select” or “Enter” button. Use the tuning knob to cycle through available colors. Most radios will preview each color as you scroll, so you can see exactly what it looks like on your dash.

Once you’ve found the color that fits your style, press and hold “Select” or “Menu” again to save your setting. The display will confirm your choice and return to the main screen.

• Can’t Find the Option? Check your owner’s manual — not all models support color change.
• Color Resetting After Power Off? This often indicates the radio’s constant power (memory) wire isn’t connected to a 12V always-on source.
• Dim Display at Night? Many radios include an automatic dimmer that reduces brightness when headlights are on — this feature can usually be toggled in the same settings menu.