Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1973-74 Oldsmobile 442
Custom Autosound USA-850 for 1973-74 Oldsmobile 442 – Modern Audio with a Classic Look
The 1973-74 Oldsmobile 442 is a true classic, embodying the muscle car spirit with its powerful engine and bold design. However, the original factory radio in these models lacks the advanced features that modern drivers expect. That’s where the Custom Autosound USA-850, available from Vintage Car Radio, comes in. This high-quality radio is designed to seamlessly fit into your 442’s dashboard, preserving its vintage appearance while providing modern audio performance.
Classic Styling, Modern Features
One of the biggest advantages of the USA-850 is that it retains the authentic factory look of the 1973-74 Oldsmobile 442. Unlike bulky aftermarket stereos that require dashboard modifications, this unit is engineered to fit perfectly into the original radio slot, maintaining the car’s classic aesthetic.
- Despite its vintage exterior, the USA-850 is packed with advanced technology, including:
- AM/FM Digital Tuner – Enjoy static-free reception and a crisp sound.
- Bluetooth Connectivity – Stream music wirelessly and make hands-free phone calls.
- USB and Auxiliary Inputs – Plug in external devices for endless music options.
- 300-Watt Power Output – Delivers high-quality audio with rich sound and deep bass.
- CD Changer Compatibility – Connect an optional CD changer to keep your favorite albums in rotation.
Easy Installation, Enhanced Driving Experience
Designed specifically for classic cars, the USA-850 allows for quick and easy installation with no need for dashboard modifications. This means you get the best of both worlds—a timeless look with cutting-edge sound quality.
If you own a 1973-74 Oldsmobile 442 and want to upgrade your audio system without sacrificing originality, the Custom Autosound USA-850 from Vintage Car Radio is the perfect solution!
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 1973-74 Oldsmobile FAQ
Will it fit my 1973-74 Oldsmobile without cutting the dash?
This version is built for the 1973-74 Oldsmobile and is made to fit the factory radio 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.
Does it matter if my 1973-74 Oldsmobile has factory air?
Select Yes or No under Factory Air so we send the correct setup for your 1973-74 Oldsmobile's dash.
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 do I get with the USA-850 in my 1973-74 Oldsmobile?
It has a rear RCA input and controls the optional CD-1 single CD player, and installation uses a simple 3-wire power harness. You can adjust bass, treble and midrange or choose a DSP EQ preset (Flat, Classic, Pop or Rock).
Will it keep the stock look of my 1973-74 Oldsmobile dash?
The USA-850 for a 1973-74 Oldsmobile is styled to look like the factory radio, so your dash keeps its period appearance.
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 1973-1974 Oldsmobile 442
- 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 1973-1974 Oldsmobile 442
- This radio is sold for the factory Oldsmobile 442 opening used in 1973-1974 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 — 1973-1974 Oldsmobile 442 USA-850
Will this fit my 1973-1974 Oldsmobile 442 without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1973-1974 Oldsmobile 442 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.
