Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1973-81 Oldsmobile 442
Upgrade Your 1973-81 Oldsmobile with the Custom Autosound USA-850
If you own a 1973-81 Oldsmobile, you know the thrill of driving a true classic. These cars were built with style and performance in mind, but their factory radios lack the modern features today’s drivers expect. That’s where the Custom Autosound USA-850 comes in. Designed to fit seamlessly into your Oldsmobile’s dash while offering state-of-the-art audio technology, this radio upgrade ensures you get the best of both worlds—classic looks and modern sound.
Retro Styling with Advanced Features
The USA-850 retains the vintage push-button styling of your 1973-81 Oldsmobile, making it look like an original factory radio. However, it’s equipped with modern audio technology to enhance your listening experience. Whether you want to tune into your favorite radio stations or stream music from your phone, the USA-850 makes it easy.
Key Features of the USA-850
‚úî AM/FM Digital Tuner – Get crystal-clear radio reception with a wide range of station options.
‚úî Bluetooth Connectivity – Stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
‚úî USB & AUX Inputs – Plug in MP3 players, flash drives, or other external audio sources.
‚úî 300-Watt Power Output – Delivers high-quality sound for an immersive listening experience.
‚úî CD Changer Compatibility – Works with an optional CD changer for those who still enjoy their classic CDs.
Why Choose the USA-850?
With the Custom Autosound USA-850, you can enjoy modern music streaming, crisp radio reception, and a factory-style fit for your 1973-81 Oldsmobile. Available now at Vintage Car Radio, this is the perfect way to upgrade your classic ride while keeping its vintage 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 1973-81 Oldsmobile: Your Questions Answered
Will it fit my 1973-81 Oldsmobile without cutting the dash?
This version is built for the 1973-81 Oldsmobile and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
What can I add to my USA-850 for a 1973-81 Oldsmobile order?
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).
What can the USA-850 do?
The USB port plays MP3, WMA and FLAC files and also charges your phone. It has a rear RCA input and controls the optional CD-1 single CD player, and installation uses a simple 3-wire power harness.
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. You can adjust bass, treble and midrange or choose a DSP EQ preset (Flat, Classic, Pop or Rock).
Why does the order ask about factory air?
The Factory Air option tells us which dash layout your 1973-81 Oldsmobile has, so pick Yes if it has factory A/C.
What about older positive-ground electrical systems?
The order form has Voltage (12 Volt and 6 Volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) options, so set them to match your 1973-81 Oldsmobile.
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 1973-1981 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 1973-1981 Oldsmobile 442
- This radio is sold for the factory Oldsmobile 442 opening used in 1973-1981 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 — 1973-1981 Oldsmobile 442 USA-850
Will this fit my 1973-1981 Oldsmobile 442 without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1973-1981 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.
