Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1968-81 Electra
Upgrade Your 1968-81 Buick Electra with the Custom Autosound USA-850
The Buick Electra (1968-81) is a prime example of American luxury, known for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and timeless design. However, while the Electra exudes class, its original radio may not meet today’s audio needs. That’s where the Custom Autosound USA-850 steps in, offering a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern audio technology—all while maintaining the original look of your classic Buick.
Designed to fit seamlessly into your Electra’s factory dash, the USA-850 eliminates the need for cutting or modifying your interior. It retains the classic radio appearance but packs in modern features such as AM/FM digital tuning, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and AUX inputs. Whether you want to stream your favorite tunes, listen to the radio, or take hands-free calls, the USA-850 makes it easy.
With 300 watts of power, this system delivers crystal-clear sound throughout the cabin, making long cruises even more enjoyable. It also includes RCA pre-outs for those who want to upgrade their setup with external amplifiers and subwoofers.
Installation is straightforward, and since the USA-850 is built specifically for classic cars like the 1968-81 Buick Electra, it fits perfectly without disrupting the vintage look of your dashboard.
For Electra owners who appreciate classic style but demand modern performance, the Custom Autosound USA-850 is the ultimate solution. Available now at Vintage Car Radio, this premium stereo system allows you to enjoy every drive with high-quality sound—without compromising the authentic feel of your beloved Buick. Upgrade today and bring your Electra into the modern age while keeping its classic charm intact!
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 1968-81 Electra: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to modify the 1968-81 Electra dash to install it?
This version is built for the 1968-81 Electra and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
Can I add a CD player or Bluetooth?
Yes. The options include Single Slave CD.
Does it look like the original radio?
The USA-850 for a 1968-81 Electra is styled to look like the factory radio, so your dash keeps its period appearance.
Why does the order ask about factory air?
Select Yes or No under Factory Air so we send the correct setup for your 1968-81 Electra's dash.
What else should I know about the USA-850?
The USB port plays MP3, WMA and FLAC files and also charges your phone. You can adjust bass, treble and midrange or choose a DSP EQ preset (Flat, Classic, Pop or Rock).
Which add-ons are offered with this radio?
Add-ons offered here are a front dual voice coil speaker, a rear 6x9 speaker pair (Custom Autosound 6x9 Speaker Pair and Upgraded Pioneer Speaker Pair), and an antenna (Hideaway Antenna and Power Antenna).
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 1968-1981 Electra
- 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 1968-1981 Electra
- This radio is sold for the factory Electra opening used in 1968-1981 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 — 1968-1981 Electra USA-850
Will this fit my 1968-1981 Electra without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1968-1981 Electra 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.
