Product Description
The dash of a 1955-57 Chevy is one of the most famous in American car history, and the radio sits right at its center. Custom Autosound's Slidebar Radio for the 1955-57 Chevy car keeps a completely authentic look while adding modern technology, and it fits the dash without any modifications.
Two Displays in One
The Slidebar gives you a true working slidebar display and a full-featured digital display in the same stereo. Slide the bar in the center of the radio to the right to hide the analog slidebar and reveal the digital display underneath. Large OEM-style pushbuttons complement the look of the car, and the digital display has seven backlight colors so you can match your dash instruments.
Features
- 300 watts peak
- USB input for flash drives
- iPod dock with artist, song and album display and song navigation through the radio
- Compatible with Custom Autosound's optional BluKit for Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calls through the car's speakers and the BluKit microphone
- Four pre-outs and one subwoofer output
- Aux input for satellite radio or a portable player
- Seven backlight colors
Ordering Options
- 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
Sound for a Tri-Five
The 1955-57 Chevy originally had a single dash speaker. A dual voice coil speaker gives you stereo from that location, and a rear 6x9 pair fills the cabin. With four pre-outs and a subwoofer output, you can add amplifiers later.
Electrical Requirements
Custom Autosound radios run on 12-volt negative ground. The 1955 Chevy came from the factory with a 12-volt system, but it is worth confirming your car's electrical setup before installing, especially if it has been modified.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Why the Slidebar
Many owners of 1955-57 Chevys want modern sound but don't want a digital display staring back from a classic dash. The Slidebar answers that: with the bar slid left, the radio looks like a period unit, and with it slid right, you have a full digital display, USB and iPod control.
CD Option
This listing offers a single slave CD player. It connects to the radio and is controlled from the radio's buttons, so you can mount it out of sight under the seat or in the glove box while keeping the dash clean.
Complete the Look
Choose the backlight color that matches your gauges, and consider the optional antenna if your original is worn or missing. A good antenna makes a big difference to FM reception in a car with a steel dash and roof.
1955-57 Chevy Slidebar Radio FAQ
Does the slidebar actually work?
Yes. It is a true working slidebar display; slide it right to reveal the digital display.
Do I need to cut the dash?
No. It fits without modifications.
Can I add Bluetooth?
Yes. It is compatible with Custom Autosound's optional BluKit.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. It has four pre-outs and one subwoofer output.
What is the warranty?
2 years from Custom Autosound.
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: 1955-57 Custom Autosound Chevy Car. 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 — 1955-57 Custom Autosound Chevy Car Slidebar
Will this fit without cutting the dash?
Slidebar conversions are made for the OEM opening for 1955-57 Custom Autosound Chevy Car. 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.
