Product Description
Custom Autosound USA-230 for Pinto
It may be a Pinto, but it deserves a good radio. Believe it or not, there are still Ford Pintos on the road today, and they deserve a good radio just like any other car. Call us at 574-226-6676 to confirm fit for your year.
The Custom Autosound USA-230 from Vintage Car Radio is a great radio to boost your Pinto's image. Read the specs below and see why it's good for your little car.
'Under the Hood'
We all know what's under the hood of a Pinto, but what's under the hood of the USA-230? It starts with 200 watts of power, enough to fill your car with great sound, backed by solid technology.
A power antenna lead connects your antenna to the electronic tuner, which holds 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM).
You also get a 4-way fader, a 1/8" aux input jack and 4-channel RCA pre-outs to fine-tune your listening, plus a built-in digital clock.
You should arrive in style, even in a Pinto.
It's the Radio That Counts
No matter what you drive, a good radio makes the ride better. With the Custom Autosound USA-230, you have a radio everyone will love.
Check it out today. Your Pinto deserves a great radio in its dash, and the USA-230 looks like it always belonged there.
The Custom Autosound USA-230 for the Pinto has more features than the radios that came before it, and its classic styling dresses up your car's interior. Plug a phone, MP3 player or satellite radio tuner into its auxiliary input for even more listening options. Here are its key features:
| Features
|
Frequently Asked Questions About the USA-230 for Pinto
Do I need to modify the Pinto dash to install it?
This version is built for the Pinto and is made to fit the factory radio opening. Custom Autosound says its radios fit without altering or cutting the original dash.
What can the USA-230 do?
It's rated at 200 watts (4x50) and has 4-channel RCA pre-outs, so you can add an outboard amplifier later. It has a digital clock, a 4-way fader and a power antenna lead.
Does it look like the original radio?
Yes. It's built to keep the original look in the Pinto dash while adding modern features.
How does the USA-230 handle phone audio and connections?
It skips the USB port, iPod dock and CD changer control found on the USA-630, but keeps the same look. The electronic tuner stores 16 presets, 12 FM and 4 AM.
What features does the USA-230 have?
There's a rear RCA auxiliary input, and Custom Autosound includes an RCA to 1/8" pin jack cable for phones, MP3 players or satellite tuners.
Will it work with a 6-volt system?
Choose your system under Voltage (12 volt and 6 volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) when you order.
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 Pinto
- 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 Pinto
- This radio is sold for the factory Pinto 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 Pinto USA-230
Will this fit my classic Pinto without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on classic Pinto 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.