Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1978-80 Oldsmobile 442
Custom Autosound USA-850 for 1978-80 Oldsmobile 442 – The Perfect Audio Upgrade
The 1978-80 Oldsmobile 442 represents the transition of the muscle car era, blending performance with a more refined and stylish design. While these vehicles still turn heads on the road, their original factory radios lack the modern features that today’s drivers enjoy. That’s where the Custom Autosound USA-850, available from Vintage Car Radio, comes in. This high-performance radio is designed to fit seamlessly into the dashboard of your 442 while delivering state-of-the-art audio technology.
A Modern Radio with a Classic Appearance
One of the best features of the USA-850 is its ability to preserve the original look of the 1978-80 Oldsmobile 442’s dashboard. Unlike bulky aftermarket stereos that require cutting or modifying the dash, the USA-850 fits perfectly into the factory radio slot, maintaining the car’s classic charm.
At the same time, it offers an impressive range of modern features, including:
- AM/FM Digital Tuner – Enjoy crystal-clear radio reception with easy tuning.
- Bluetooth Connectivity – Stream your favorite music wirelessly or take hands-free calls.
- USB and AUX Inputs – Connect external devices like MP3 players or smartphones for more listening options.
- 300-Watt Power Output – Delivers outstanding sound quality with deep bass and crisp highs.
- CD Changer Compatibility – Supports an optional CD changer for those who love their classic albums.
- Easy Installation, Superior Sound
The USA-850 is built for hassle-free installation, meaning you can upgrade your car’s audio system without modifying the dashboard. With its perfect blend of vintage styling and modern performance, this radio is the ultimate upgrade for any 1978-80 Oldsmobile 442 owner.
For those looking to enhance their driving experience with premium sound, the Custom Autosound USA-850 from Vintage Car Radio is the perfect choice!
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 1978-80 Oldsmobile FAQ
Is this radio made specifically for the 1978-80 Oldsmobile?
This listing is the version made for the 1978-80 Oldsmobile, designed to go into the original dash opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
Does it look like the original radio?
Yes. It's built to keep the original look in the 1978-80 Oldsmobile dash while adding modern features.
What can the USA-850 do?
The USB port plays MP3, WMA and FLAC files and also charges your phone. It streams music and takes calls over Bluetooth.
My 1978-80 Oldsmobile is 6-volt or positive ground. Can I still use this?
Choose your system under Voltage (12 Volt and 6 Volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) when you order.
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).
Is there a CD or Bluetooth upgrade?
Check the CD options on this page, which include Single Slave CD.
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 1978-1980 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 1978-1980 Oldsmobile 442
- This radio is sold for the factory Oldsmobile 442 opening used in 1978-1980 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 — 1978-1980 Oldsmobile 442 USA-850
Will this fit my 1978-1980 Oldsmobile 442 without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1978-1980 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.
