Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1966 Mercury Comet
Custom Autosound USA-850 for 1966 Mercury Comet – Classic Style, Modern Sound
The 1966 Mercury Comet is a timeless classic, known for its sleek design and performance. However, the factory radio from this era lacks the modern features that today’s drivers demand. That’s where the Custom Autosound USA-850, available from Vintage Car Radio, comes in. Designed to fit seamlessly into your Comet’s dashboard, this radio provides all the benefits of modern audio technology while preserving the car’s vintage look.
One of the standout features of the USA-850 is its built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or showing off your Comet at a car meet, you can enjoy your favorite playlists, podcasts, and even take hands-free phone calls with ease.
For those who love traditional radio, the AM/FM tuner with 30 presets ensures you always have access to your favorite stations. Additionally, the USB and auxiliary inputs allow you to connect MP3 players, flash drives, or other external audio devices. Plus, the USA-850 is CD changer compatible, offering even more ways to enjoy your music.
With 300 watts of power (75 watts per channel), this radio delivers clear, high-quality sound that enhances your listening experience. The four-channel RCA pre-outs and subwoofer output also allow for further sound system upgrades.
Designed to fit directly into the dash of your 1966 Mercury Comet, the USA-850 maintains the car’s original aesthetic while bringing it into the modern age. For classic car owners who want the best of both worlds—vintage looks with modern convenience—Vintage Car Radio offers the perfect solution with the Custom Autosound USA-850.
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 1966 Mercury Comet: Frequently Asked Questions
Will it fit my 1966 Mercury Comet without cutting the dash?
This version is built for the 1966 Mercury Comet 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?
Check the CD options on this page, which include Single Slave CD.
What else should I know about the USA-850?
You can adjust bass, treble and midrange or choose a DSP EQ preset (Flat, Classic, Pop or Rock). 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 1966 Mercury Comet has factory air?
The Factory Air option tells us which dash layout your 1966 Mercury Comet has, so pick Yes if it has factory A/C.
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 features does the USA-850 have?
The USB port plays MP3, WMA and FLAC files and also charges your phone. It streams music and takes calls over Bluetooth.
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 1966 Mercury Comet
- 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 1966 Mercury Comet
- This radio is sold for the factory Mercury Comet opening used in 1966 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 — 1966 Mercury Comet USA-850
Will this fit my 1966 Mercury Comet without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1966 Mercury Comet 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.
