Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1970-71
Upgrade Your 1970-71 Ford Ranchero with the Custom Autosound USA-850
The 1970-71 Ford Ranchero is a true classic, combining the power of a muscle car with the practicality of a pickup. While its aggressive styling and V8 performance have stood the test of time, the factory radio often falls short in delivering the audio quality and modern features that today’s drivers expect. The Custom Autosound USA-850 is the perfect solution, offering advanced audio technology while maintaining the vintage look of your Ranchero’s dashboard.
A Perfect Blend of Classic and Modern
The USA-850 is designed to fit seamlessly into the factory radio space of your 1970-71 Ford Ranchero, preserving its original aesthetic. It may look like a stock radio, but under the hood, it’s packed with cutting-edge features that bring your classic ride into the modern era.
Key Features of the USA-850
‚úî AM/FM Digital Tuner – Enjoy clear and strong radio reception with a variety of station options.
‚úî Bluetooth Connectivity – Stream your favorite music wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device.
‚úî USB & AUX Inputs – Connect MP3 players, flash drives, or other external audio sources.
‚úî 300-Watt Power Output – Provides rich, high-fidelity sound for an immersive listening experience.
‚úî CD Changer Compatibility – Works with an optional CD changer, perfect for those who still love their classic CDs.
Why Upgrade to the USA-850?
The Custom Autosound USA-850 is the ultimate upgrade for your 1970-71 Ford Ranchero, offering modern audio features while keeping your dashboard looking stock. Available now at Vintage Car Radio, this radio ensures that every drive is accompanied by superior sound and convenience!
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+)
Questions About the USA-850 for a 1970-71 Ranchero
Is this radio made specifically for the 1970-71 Ranchero?
This version is built for the 1970-71 Ranchero and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
What do I get with the USA-850 in my 1970-71 Ranchero?
It has a rear RCA input and controls the optional CD-1 single CD player, and installation uses a simple 3-wire power harness. The USB port plays MP3, WMA and FLAC files and also charges your phone.
What about older positive-ground electrical systems?
What if my 1970-71 Ranchero has air conditioning?
The Factory Air option tells us which dash layout your 1970-71 Ranchero has, so pick Yes if it has factory A/C.
What can I add to my USA-850 for a 1970-71 Ranchero order?
You can add 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) right from the options above.
How does the USA-850 handle phone audio and connections?
Custom Autosound rates it at 75 watts x 4 peak (300 watts max), with 6-volt RCA pre-outs and dual subwoofer pre-outs. 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 1970-1971 Ranchero
- 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 1970-1971 Ranchero
- This radio is sold for the factory Ranchero opening used in 1970-1971 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 — 1970-1971 Ranchero USA-850
Will this fit my 1970-1971 Ranchero without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1970-1971 Ranchero 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.
