Product Description
The Chevy Nova has been a favorite with hot rodders and restorers for decades, from the early Chevy IIs to the later X-body cars. If your Nova still has a tired original radio or an empty dash opening, this Custom Autosound USA-230 Nova version adds AM/FM and auxiliary input in a classic-looking package.
Confirm Your Year
This version is made for the Chevy Nova. Nova dashes changed over the years, so call us at 574-226-6676 to confirm fit for your year before you order. The order form also asks for:
- Factory Air (Yes or No)
The radio runs on 12-volt negative ground. Your answers help us send the right setup for your car.
USA-230 Features
- 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)
- 200 watts (50 watts x 4)
Built on the success of the USA-630, the USA-230 keeps the same styling without USB or CD changer control. There's no cassette, but the auxiliary input lets you listen to a portable MP3 player or satellite radio tuner through the radio.
Build Your Audio System
- Front dual voice coil speaker for the dash
- Rear 6x9 speaker pair: Custom Autosound or upgraded Pioneer
- Kick panels: with speakers, without speakers or Pioneer upgrade
- Antenna: hideaway or power
Four channels and a 4-way fader let you run front and rear speakers for full stereo, and the pre-outs are ready for an amplifier.
Warranty
Custom Autosound radios sold by Vintage Car Radio carry a 2-year warranty.
Why It Suits a Nova
Many Novas are driven often, and a radio that works well is part of enjoying the car. The USA-230 offers dependable reception, presets and a clock while keeping the dash looking period-correct.
Installation
Use a fused power source and a solid ground, and bench test before final mounting. An auto radio specialist can install it if you prefer. Vintage Car Radio sells the radio and accessories but does not offer installation.
Face Options
You can choose a black or chrome face. Chrome works well with the brighter trim of many Novas, while black suits darker or simpler dashes. Because the USA-230 shares the look of the USA-630, it fits in well with a stock restoration or a mild custom build, and it keeps the dash looking like it did when the car was new.
Custom Autosound USA-230 for Chevy Nova FAQ
Which Nova years does it fit?
Call 574-226-6676 to confirm fit for your year.
What electrical system does it need?
The radio itself needs 12-volt negative ground.
Can I add kick panels?
Yes, with speakers, without speakers or with a Pioneer upgrade.
Does it play music from a phone?
Yes, through the rear auxiliary input with the included cable.
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.
