Product Description
Kaiser cars, built by Kaiser-Frazer and later Kaiser Motors after World War II, are rare and distinctive today, and their owners take pride in keeping them original. This Custom Autosound USA-230 is the Kaiser version, made to look good in the dash while giving you modern AM/FM and an auxiliary input.
Fit for Your Kaiser
Call us at 574-226-6676 to confirm fit for your year before ordering. When you order, choose your Factory Air setting so we can send the correct setup.
Electrical Systems
Many cars of the Kaiser era used 6-volt electrical systems. The USA-230 runs on 12-volt negative ground. Custom Autosound offers a voltage booster for 6-volt negative ground cars and a power inverter for positive ground cars. Let us know your system and we will help you choose.
What You Get
- 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)
- 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
The power antenna lead gives your antenna a solid connection, and the electronic tuner makes finding stations easy. With 16 presets and a built-in clock, the USA-230 is a practical radio for a Kaiser that's driven and enjoyed.
Options
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.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Modern Sound with a Period Look
A modern stereo would look out of place in a Kaiser dash. The USA-230 keeps a classic appearance while adding the conveniences drivers expect today, including a way to play music from a phone through the rear auxiliary input.
Installation
Inspect old wiring carefully before connecting anything, use a fused power source and make a clean ground. An auto radio specialist can install the radio if you prefer. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
If you have questions about the USA-230 for your Kaiser, we look forward to hearing from you.
Getting the Most From It
Kaiser cabins are roomy, and good sound depends on speaker placement. A dual voice coil speaker in the dash location gives both stereo channels from one speaker, and adding a rear 6x9 pair brings the sound to rear passengers. The 4-way fader lets you balance everything once it is in place.
Custom Autosound USA-230 for Kaiser FAQ
Will it fit my Kaiser?
This is the Kaiser version. Call 574-226-6676 to confirm fit for your year.
My Kaiser is 6-volt. Can I use it?
The radio needs 12-volt negative ground. Custom Autosound offers a voltage booster and a power inverter for other systems.
How many presets does it have?
16: 12 FM and 4 AM.
What antennas are offered?
A hideaway antenna or a power antenna.
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 classic Kaiser
- 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 classic Kaiser
- This radio is sold for the factory Kaiser opening used in classic 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 — classic Kaiser USA-230
Will this fit my classic Kaiser without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on classic Kaiser 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.
