Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-850 for a 1968-81 Riviera
Upgrade Your 1968-81 Buick Riviera with the Custom Autosound USA-850
The 1968-81 Buick Riviera represents a golden era of American luxury and performance, blending elegance, power, and innovation. However, while the Riviera was ahead of its time in styling and engineering, its factory radio lacks the modern features that today’s drivers expect. The Custom Autosound USA-850 is the perfect upgrade, offering modern technology and high-quality sound while preserving the classic look of your Riviera’s dashboard.
A Factory Fit with Advanced Features
The USA-850 is custom-designed to fit seamlessly into the original dash opening of your 1968-81 Buick Riviera, ensuring that you get a vintage appearance with cutting-edge functionality. Unlike generic aftermarket radios that require extensive modifications, this unit keeps the classic aesthetic intact while dramatically improving your in-car audio experience.
Key Features of the USA-850
‚úî AM/FM Digital Tuner – Enjoy clear, high-quality radio reception with access to a wide range of stations.
‚úî Bluetooth Connectivity – Wirelessly stream your favorite music from a smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
‚úî USB & AUX Inputs – Connect MP3 players, flash drives, or other external audio sources for added versatility.
‚úî 300-Watt Power Output – Delivers powerful, high-fidelity sound for a premium listening experience.
‚úî CD Changer Compatibility – Works with an optional CD changer, perfect for those who still enjoy their classic CDs.
The Ultimate Audio Upgrade for Your Riviera
The Custom Autosound USA-850 is the ideal solution for upgrading your 1968-81 Buick Riviera with modern audio capabilities while maintaining its timeless style. Available now at Vintage Car Radio, this system ensures your Riviera sounds as impressive as it looks!
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 1968-81 Riviera: Frequently Asked Questions
Will it fit my 1968-81 Riviera without cutting the dash?
This listing is the version made for the 1968-81 Riviera, designed to go into the original dash opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
Does it matter if my 1968-81 Riviera has factory air?
The Factory Air option tells us which dash layout your 1968-81 Riviera has, so pick Yes if it has factory A/C.
What else should I know about the USA-850?
It has a rear RCA input and controls the optional CD-1 single CD player, and installation uses a simple 3-wire power harness. It streams music and takes calls over Bluetooth.
What can I add to my USA-850 for a 1968-81 Riviera 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).
Is there a CD or Bluetooth upgrade?
Yes. The options include Single Slave CD.
What features does the USA-850 have?
Custom Autosound rates it at 75 watts x 4 peak (300 watts max), with 6-volt RCA pre-outs and dual subwoofer pre-outs. You can adjust bass, treble and midrange or choose a DSP EQ preset (Flat, Classic, Pop or Rock).
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 1968-1981 Riviera
- 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 1968-1981 Riviera
- This radio is sold for the factory Riviera opening used in 1968-1981 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 — 1968-1981 Riviera USA-850
Will this fit my 1968-1981 Riviera without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on 1968-1981 Riviera 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.
