Product Description
An Austin-Healey is one of the most charming British sports cars ever built, and its small, purposeful dash leaves little room for an oversized stereo. The Custom Autosound USA-230 listed here is made for the classic Austin-Healey, so you can add AM/FM and an auxiliary input while keeping a period look.
Made for the Austin-Healey
Custom Autosound builds vehicle-specific versions of its radios so they fit the car properly. This listing is the Austin-Healey version. Because the Healey line covers several models and years, contact us with your model and year before ordering so we can confirm fit.
USA-230 Highlights
- 200 watts (50 watts x 4)
- Rear RCA auxiliary input, with an RCA to 1/8" pin jack cable included
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs
- 4-way fader
- Digital clock
- Power antenna lead
- Black or chrome face
- AM/FM stereo with an electronic tuner
- 16 presets (12 FM and 4 AM)
AM/FM stereo gives you a wide choice of stations, and the electronic tuner makes changing stations quick. Presets let you jump straight to your favorites. With the included cable, the rear auxiliary input connects a phone, tablet or MP3 player so you can play your own music. The clock lets you check the time at a glance, and the pre-outs let you add an amplifier later.
A Note on Electrical Systems
Many British cars of this era were built with positive ground electrical systems. The USA-230 requires 12-volt negative ground. If your Healey is still positive ground, Custom Autosound makes a positive ground power inverter designed to run its radios. Contact us and we will help you work out what your car needs.
Speakers and Antennas
This listing lets you add a front dual voice coil speaker, a rear 6x9 speaker pair (Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer) and a hideaway or power antenna. A two-seat roadster has limited space, so check where speakers will fit in your car before choosing. We are happy to help.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Installation
Bench test the radio before mounting it and use a fused power source. If the wiring in your Healey has been modified over the years, have it checked by someone familiar with British cars. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
Living With a Roadster
Open cars are noisy at speed, so a little extra power helps. With four 50-watt channels and a 4-way fader, the USA-230 can drive speakers placed close to the driver and passenger, and the pre-outs leave room for an amplifier. The electronic tuner holds stations well even on bumpy back roads, which is where a Healey is most at home.
Custom Autosound USA-230 for Austin-Healey FAQ
Which car is this version for?
It is the Austin-Healey version of the USA-230. Contact us with your model and year to confirm fit.
My Healey is positive ground. Can I use it?
The radio needs 12-volt negative ground. Custom Autosound makes a positive ground power inverter for its radios.
Can I play music from my phone?
Yes, through the rear auxiliary input with the included cable.
How much power does it have?
200 watts (50 watts x 4).
What is the warranty?
Custom Autosound radios carry a 2-year warranty.
USA-230 specifications
- 200 watts peak power (50W x 4)
- AM/FM stereo tuner
- RCA auxiliary input
- 12 FM and 4 AM presets
- Electronic tuning and volume
- 4-channel RCA pre-outs for an external amplifier
- Separate bass and treble controls
- 4-way fader and left/right balance
- Power antenna lead
- Designed for original classic dash openings (no DIN cut required for vehicle-specific faceplates)
- Custom Autosound 2-year manufacturer warranty
USA-230 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-230 extras
Use the rear RCA AUX for a wired player. Pre-outs support adding an amplifier later without replacing the radio.
Suggested order for a vintage classic car
- 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 vintage classic car
- This radio is sold for the factory classic car opening used in vintage 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-230 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 — vintage classic car USA-230
Will this fit my vintage classic car without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on vintage classic car models. Compare your dash opening and bezel to the product photos. We do not modify dashes in-house.
Does this radio have Bluetooth?
The USA-230 is a wired/AUX-focused radio without built-in Bluetooth. Consider a USA-740 or USA-850 if you want Bluetooth built in.
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.
