Product Description
The first-generation Buick Riviera is one of the most elegant American cars ever built, and its dash is a big part of that elegance. Fitting a modern stereo into it without spoiling the look takes a radio designed for the job. The Custom Autosound Slidebar Radio for the early Riviera does exactly that, with a working slidebar dial up front and a full digital display hidden behind it.
Two Displays in One Radio
Custom Autosound describes the Slidebar as a completely authentic-looking classic car stereo that does not sacrifice modern technology. Slide the bar in the center of the radio to the right and the analog-style dial moves out of the way, revealing a full-featured digital display underneath. Slide it back and the radio looks like a period piece again. Large OEM-style push buttons complete the classic look, and the radio is designed to fit the dash without modifications.
Features
Custom Autosound's catalog lists the following for the Slidebar:
- AM/FM RDS tuner with 25 presets (15 FM / 10 AM), showing station, song and artist
- 300 watts peak, 2-ohm stable
- Bluetooth with remote microphone for streaming and hands-free calling
- USB port for MP3, WMA, FLAC and WAV playback
- Direct control of the optional CD-1 player
- Two auxiliary inputs: front mini jack and rear RCA
- Separate bass, mid and treble controls, loudness and DSP EQ
- Front/rear fader and left/right balance
- 7 selectable LCD colors with dimmer control
- Digital clock
- 4-channel high-voltage RCA pre-outs and a subwoofer line-out with crossover and level adjustments
- Power antenna lead
Options on This Page
You can build a complete system in one order:
- CD Player: add the Single Slave CD unit, which hides out of sight and is controlled by the radio
- Front dual voice coil speaker for the dash, carrying both stereo channels through one speaker
- Antenna: hideaway or power antenna
- Rear 6x9 speaker pair: Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Why It Suits the Riviera
A Riviera owner usually cares about the details: the brightwork, the console, the instruments. A modern head unit with a glowing face would look out of place. The Slidebar keeps the dash looking factory while giving you the features of a current stereo, and you can match the display color to the instrument lighting.
Installation Notes
Custom Autosound recommends installation by an auto radio specialist. If you do it yourself, disconnect the battery first, confirm the car is 12-volt negative ground and inspect the wiring behind the dash. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
Custom Autosound Slidebar Radio for the Buick Riviera FAQ
Does it require cutting the dash?
No. Custom Autosound designs the Slidebar to fit the dash without modifications.
Does it have Bluetooth?
Yes. Custom Autosound lists Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling with a remote microphone.
Can I play CDs?
Yes, with the optional Single Slave CD unit offered on this page, which the radio controls directly.
How much power does it have?
300 watts peak, with 4-channel pre-outs and a subwoofer output.
What is the warranty?
Custom Autosound radios carry a 2-year warranty.
Slidebar radio specifications
- High power: max 300 watts (45W × 4 output channels per Slidebar user manual)
- AM/FM with RDS; 25 presets
- 7 selectable LCD color choices; hideaway digital display with classic slidebar look
- USB MP3/WMA player; iPod dock charge and control (30-pin cable; USB iPod/iPhone not supported)
- CD changer controller (Custom Autosound CD1 or USA-CD60)
- Auxiliary input; RCA pre-outs (2 pair) plus subwoofer line out with crossover
- Front/rear fader; left/right balance; bass / mid / treble; DSP EQ; loudness; clock
- Power antenna lead; last-volume memory
- Direct fit to OEM dash opening (vehicle-specific conversion)
- 12 V negative-ground only; speaker impedance 4–8 Ω
- Optional BluKit Bluetooth adapter for streaming / hands-free
- Custom Autosound 2-year parts / 1-year labor limited warranty (in-dash radios)
Slidebar wiring and tech tips
Typical Custom Autosound harness (confirm against the printed diagram that ships with your unit):
| Function | Wire |
|---|---|
| Ignition / ACC +12V | Red |
| Memory / constant +12V | Yellow |
| Ground | Black |
| Power antenna / remote | Blue (fully automatic antennas only) |
Important: Both red and yellow must be connected. Do not connect the blue lead to a semi-automatic (knob/switch) factory antenna — that can damage the radio (per Slidebar manual).
Speakers: 4–8 Ω; do not common speaker negatives to chassis ground. Rear mounting strap required (omission voids warranty per manual).
Vehicle: 1963-65 Custom Autosound Buick Riviera. Disconnect the battery before wiring. Vintage Car Radio does not install.
Slidebar manuals
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation.
Custom Autosound Limited Warranty
Per the Custom Autosound Slidebar / in-dash radio user manuals, parts are covered for 2 years and labor for 1 year from original purchase for defects in materials and workmanship (original purchaser).
Warranty does not cover antenna problems, installation damage, misuse, or unrelated vehicle electrical issues. Call Vintage Car Radio at 844-802-4499 or 574-226-6676 for help coordinating service.
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation.
FAQ — 1963-65 Custom Autosound Buick Riviera Slidebar
Will this fit without cutting the dash?
Slidebar conversions are made for the OEM opening for 1963-65 Custom Autosound Buick Riviera. Compare your dash to the product photos.
Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is available via the optional Custom Autosound BluKit adapter (unless your package already includes it).
Do you install?
No.
Warranty?
Custom Autosound in-dash radios: 2-year parts / 1-year labor per the Slidebar user manual.
Need help?
844-802-4499 or 574-226-6676.
Specs
Wiring / Tech Tips
Manuals
Warranty
Custom Autosound Limited Warranty
Per the Custom Autosound Slidebar / in-dash radio user manuals, parts are covered for 2 years and labor for 1 year from original purchase for defects in materials and workmanship (original purchaser).
Warranty does not cover antenna problems, installation damage, misuse, or unrelated vehicle electrical issues. Call Vintage Car Radio at 844-802-4499 or 574-226-6676 for help coordinating service.
Vintage Car Radio does not offer installation.
