Product Description
The Custom Autosound USA-850 is one of the most feature-rich radios made for classic cars, and this listing is the Pontiac version. Like all Custom Autosound radios, it is made to fit without altering or cutting the original dash or radio opening.
DigaDial Display
The USA-850's DigaDial virtual screen lets you choose from four distinct displays, so you can pick the look that suits your Pontiac's dash.
Features
- 75 watts x 4 peak (300 watts max)
- Bluetooth for streaming music and answering calls
- USB port that plays MP3, WMA and FLAC files and charges your phone
- Rear RCA input for any portable audio device
- Control of the optional CD-1 single CD player
- 6-volt RCA pre-outs and dual subwoofer outputs
- Bass, treble and midrange controls
- DSP EQ settings: Flat, Classic, Pop and Rock
- Simple 3-wire power harness and clearly labeled speaker wire harness
Built for Amplifiers
The 6-volt pre-outs send a strong, clean signal to external amplifiers, and the dual subwoofer outputs let you add bass while keeping front and rear channels. If you are planning a full system with amplified speakers and subs, the USA-850 is ready for it.
Ordering Options
The order form asks for Year, Make and Model, Factory Air, Voltage and Ground so we send the right setup for your Pontiac. You can also add:
- CD Player: add a CD player that works with the radio
- Front dual voice coil speaker, which plays both stereo channels through a single dash speaker
- Rear 6x9 speaker pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer
- Antenna: hideaway antenna or power antenna
Electrical Requirements
Custom Autosound radios run on 12-volt negative ground. For 6-volt negative ground systems Custom Autosound makes the NGVB-HC voltage booster, and for positive ground systems the PGPI-HC power inverter.
Installation
The 3-wire power harness and labeled speaker harness make installation straightforward for most owners. Check the car's wiring first, add a fuse to the power lead and test before reassembling the dash.
Why the USA-850
Compared with simpler Custom Autosound models, the USA-850 adds FLAC playback, phone charging over USB, a choice of four displays, a midrange control and dual subwoofer outputs. For a Pontiac owner who wants the most complete system behind a classic face, it is a strong choice.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Speakers and Antenna
Many classic Pontiacs have a single dash speaker. The optional front dual voice coil speaker gives stereo from that location, and a rear 6x9 pair, Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer, completes the system. A hideaway or power antenna is offered if your original is worn or missing.
Custom Autosound USA-850 for Pontiac FAQ
Do I need to modify the dash?
No. It is made to fit the factory radio opening.
How much power does it have?
75 watts x 4 peak, 300 watts max.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes, for streaming and calls.
My Pontiac is positive ground. Can I use it?
Yes, with Custom Autosound's positive ground power inverter.
What is the warranty?
2 years from Custom Autosound.
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 classic Pontiac
- 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 classic Pontiac
- This radio is sold for the factory Pontiac opening used in classic 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 — classic Pontiac USA-850
Will this fit my classic Pontiac without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on classic Pontiac 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.
