Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1965 El Camino
Enhance Your 1965 Chevy El Camino with the Custom Autosound USA-850
The 1965 Chevy El Camino is a legendary blend of muscle and utility, making it a favorite among classic car enthusiasts. Whether you’re hitting the open road or cruising to a local car meet, having the right soundtrack enhances the experience. That’s where the Custom Autosound USA-850 comes in—delivering modern audio performance while preserving your El Camino’s classic look.
The USA-850 is designed to fit seamlessly into your 1965 El Camino’s factory dash, so you don’t have to worry about cutting or modifying your interior. It features a vintage-style display and push-button controls that keep the original aesthetic intact, while providing modern conveniences like AM/FM digital tuning, Bluetooth connectivity, USB, and AUX inputs. Now, you can stream your favorite music, make hands-free calls, or plug in a device—all while maintaining the nostalgic feel of your ride.
With 300 watts of power, the USA-850 ensures clear, high-quality sound whether you're rocking classic tunes or modern beats. It also includes RCA pre-outs, making it easy to add amplifiers and subwoofers for an even more powerful audio experience.
Installation is a breeze, as this unit is built specifically for classic cars, allowing for a perfect fit with no modifications required. You get the best of both worlds—vintage style with state-of-the-art audio technology.
For 1965 El Camino owners who demand authenticity and performance, the Custom Autosound USA-850 is the ideal upgrade. Available now at Vintage Car Radio, this premium stereo ensures you can enjoy every drive with the perfect soundtrack, all while keeping your classic ride looking as original as ever!
Specifications:
• 4 programmable screen options
• Working analog dial
• Custom Fit In Dash
• 6-volt RCA Pre-Outs and dual subwoofer pre-outs
• DSP EQ
• Subwoofer control
• Bass, treble, mid
• Fader/balance
• Loudness on/off
• CD Controller
• RCA AUX in
• Bluetooth
• 75W X 4 Peak (300W max)
• PLL Tuner
• Power Supply 12 VDC negative ground
• Speaker impedance 2-8
• 4 lbs shipped
• Shipping box 12 X 11 X 5
• Fits all CAS current applications (400+)
USA-850 for a 1965 El Camino: Your Questions Answered
Is this radio made specifically for the 1965 El Camino?
This listing is the version made for the 1965 El Camino, designed to go into the original dash opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
Is there a CD or Bluetooth upgrade?
Yes. The options include Single Slave CD.
What about older positive-ground electrical systems?
Choose your system under Voltage (12 Volt and 6 Volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) when you order.
What else should I know about the USA-850?
The DigaDial display gives you 4 screen choices, including a classic analog dial with a red needle that glides across the stations, or an all-digital RDS display. Custom Autosound rates it at 75 watts x 4 peak (300 watts max), with 6-volt RCA pre-outs and dual subwoofer pre-outs.
Does it matter if my 1965 El Camino has factory air?
Select Yes or No under Factory Air so we send the correct setup for your 1965 El Camino's dash.
How does the USA-850 handle phone audio and connections?
It streams music and takes calls over Bluetooth. The USB port plays MP3, WMA and FLAC files and also charges your phone.
USA-850 specifications
- DigaDial selectable display (including working analog-style dial and digital RDS views)
- Bluetooth built in (streaming and hands-free calling)
- 300 watts peak power (75W x 4 peak)
- AM/FM stereo tuner with RDS
- 25 presets
- USB port for MP3/WMA/FLAC/WAV playback and phone charging
- Rear RCA auxiliary input
- Direct control for optional CD-1
- 6-volt RCA pre-outs plus dual subwoofer pre-outs
- Bass, midrange, and treble; DSP EQ (Flat, Classic, Pop, Rock)
- Front/rear fader and left/right balance; loudness
- Power antenna lead; digital clock
- 12V negative-ground; 2–8 ohm speakers
- Designed for original classic dash openings (vehicle-specific faceplate)
- Custom Autosound 2-year manufacturer warranty
USA-850 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-850 extras
Expect antenna, USB (playback and phone charge), Bluetooth microphone, optional CD-1 control, 6V front/rear RCA pre-outs, and dual subwoofer pre-outs. Use the rear RCA AUX for a wired player. Pick your DigaDial display style in the radio menu after power-up.
Suggested order for a 1965 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 1965 El Camino
- This radio is sold for the factory El Camino opening used in 1965 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-850 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 — 1965 El Camino USA-850
Will this fit my 1965 El Camino without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1965 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?
Yes—Bluetooth is built into the USA-850 for streaming and hands-free calling. The DigaDial display also offers selectable classic dial and digital views.
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.
