Product Description
There is inarguably nothing that screams British sports car more than the Austin Healey. Most of the sleek and sporty Austin Healey vehicles came outfitted with some of the very first AM radio designs, a single speaker fixed in the dash, and a twisted reception apparatus. Believe it or not, this is the very thing that devoted car collectors adore about the Austin Healey. The challenge for the avid collector is maintaining that stock setup with modern sound capabilities. Let’s face it, no matter how flawless your Austin Healey looks on the outside, you must have the quality sounds to go with it. When you are cruising down the open interstate with the top down listening to a static filled AM station through a single speaker, it just takes the ambiance away. No matter what, you just can't get great quality sound out of a noisy convertible with 1960’s technology. Yet, all is not lost. The brilliant minds of Custom Autosound along with the makers at Ken Harrison Radios have a viable solution. The USA-740 unites that classic look with the modern sound.
Trust us when we say that they have done their homework, and you will discover that your modern sound is just an online order away. The original Austin Healey utilizes a positive ground electrical framework; the vast majority of the original stereos available today only operate with a negative ground electrical framework. The installation of a customized USA-740 eliminates this along with all other obstacles instantly. The correct wiring system is already in place and Custom Autosound makes the conversion as simple as changing a light bulb with any and all potential issues already taken care of for you. After installing the 740 unit, you can enjoy the pleasures of pure sounds coming from that original look. It is a custom car marriage made in restoration heaven.
Some of the added and hidden amenities include:
- A Digital Tuner Instead of the AM dial
- Digital Song and Artist Information list
- Five Channel Pre-Outs (RCA)
- Separate Treble, Bass, and Subwoofer Controls
- Five Presets for the EQ
- Balance along with Fader Controls
- Fifteen Pre Sets for FM stations and & Ten for AM stations
- There is also a Scan and Seek Function
Best of all Custom Autosound backs their USA-740 with a multi-year warranty. You just have to love a company that stands behind their product. As for the Austin Healey collector, they all love how the USA-740 has made the top down tune playing life just that much easier.
USA-740 IN DASH AM/FM FAQ
Do I need to give you my vehicle details?
Fill in the Year, Make and Model fields when you add it to your cart, so the right setup goes out for your car.
What can I add to my USA-740 IN DASH AM/FM 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 a hideaway antenna right from the options above.
Is there a CD or Bluetooth upgrade?
Yes. The options include Single Slave CD.
Will it work with a 6-volt system?
The order form has Voltage (12 volt and 6 volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) options, so set them to match your car.
What if my car has air conditioning?
The Factory Air option tells us which dash layout your car has, so pick Yes if it has factory A/C.
What can the USA-740 do?
Bluetooth is built in, with a microphone included, so you can stream music and answer calls. You can pick from multiple LCD colors to match your gauges, with a dimmer, and it fully controls the optional CD-1 player.
USA-740 specifications
- Bluetooth built in (streaming and hands-free calling)
- 300 watts peak power (45W x 4 RMS, 2-ohm stable)
- AM/FM stereo tuner
- 2 AUX inputs (3.5 mm front and RCA rear)
- USB port
- Direct control for optional CD-1
- 5-channel RCA pre-outs including subwoofer pre-out and control
- 15 FM and 10 AM presets
- 7-color LCD with dimmer; RDS station/song/artist display
- DSP EQ; auto-store presets
- Electronic tuning and volume; separate bass/treble; 4-way fader; L/R balance
- Power antenna lead; digital clock
- USA/EUR/JAP/RUS tuner capability (USA default)
- Custom Autosound 2-year manufacturer warranty
USA-740 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-740 extras
Expect antenna, USB, microphone (Bluetooth), CD-1, and subwoofer RCA connections in addition to front/rear line outs. Use the front 3.5 mm AUX or rear RCA AUX for wired sources.
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-740 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-740
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?
Yes—Bluetooth is built into the USA-740 for streaming and hands-free calling.
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.
