Product Description
Just spell Thunderbird and deeply breathe. A brand that has made history and that still keeps on the right path. Naturally you will discover that many Thunderbird collectors will want their cars to become a showroom replica of how they rolled off of the assembly line so many years before. When collectors sit in that restored Thunderbird for the first time, the first thing they do is reach for the radio system. Without the time stamped radio unit in place, the restoration process would certainly fall apart. Now, the same appeal that draws collectors to the Thunderbird cars themselves. One model has become the number one go to component for that classic look, and that unit is none other than the 740 (USA).
Custom Autosound USA-740 Classic Car Radio With Bluetooth USA-740 Radio with Bluetooth Features:
- AM/FM Radio Bluetooth, USB & Auxiliary Inputs
- Option to Add CD-1, Single CD Player
- Bluetooth is Built Into the Radio
- Fits in your Original Dash Opening Without Cutting
- 3.5mm Aux Input on Front of Radio
- RCA Aux Input On Back
- Change Display Lettering Color
- Digital Tuner
- RDS Song/Artist Information
- 5 Channel RCA Pre-Outs w/ Subwoofer Control
- Separate Bass & Treble Control
- 5 EQ Presets
- Fader and Balance Control
- 15 FM & 10 AM Pre Sets
- Seek/Scan Function
- Back by a 2 Year Warranty from the Manufacturer
What is the appeal to the original style radios? Possibly even the most diehard collectors may not go as far as reproducing the AMX 8 Track players, but the USA-740 offers some appealing options. With this unit collectors can get the simplistic original styling with that indistinguishable face plate with hidden modern features. Do you want that classic look with Bluetooth capabilities? USB ports? A digital tuner?
It is all possible with the USA-740 and the list goes on!
Now collectors do not have to have the same struggles when it comes to replacing those original radio units with something equally appealing and funny functional. The Thunderbird Custom Autosound USA-740 offers everything you will need and desire for your classic car. Regardless of the make, the USA-740 has a customized unit that is ready to install into your dashboard without the need of ripping apart your dash. The Thunderbird brand symbolizes a time in our country when owner took pride in their cars and owners were revered and envied. Over time roads became inundated with infinite makes and models of all kinds. The same reverence for the classic Thunderbird has resurfaced and just as appealing as these cars have become, so have the radio units for the astute collector. The Custom Autosound USA-740 Thunderbird unit gives and car that added touch that makes these vehicles complete. Perhaps if collectors are using their Thunderbird cars solely for car shows, an inoperable original radio may fit the bill. However, most collectors love the idea of making their classic cars daily or perhaps a weekend driver, the USA-740 radio is a must have. You no longer have to sacrifice the look for the sounds.
USA-740 IN DASH AM/FM for Thunderbird: Frequently Asked Questions
Is this radio made specifically for the Thunderbird?
This version is built for the Thunderbird 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-740 do?
The USB port plays MP3, WMA, FLAC and WAV files from a flash drive. You can pick from multiple LCD colors to match your gauges, with a dimmer, and it fully controls the optional CD-1 player.
What can I add to my USA-740 IN DASH AM/FM for Thunderbird order?
The options on this page let you 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.
My Thunderbird is 6-volt or positive ground. Can I still use this?
Choose your system under Voltage (12 volt and 6 volt) and Ground (Negative and Positive) when you order.
Can I add a CD player or Bluetooth?
Yes. The options include Single Slave CD.
Why does the order ask about factory air?
The Factory Air option tells us which dash layout your Thunderbird has, so pick Yes if it has factory A/C.
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 classic Thunderbird
- 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 Thunderbird
- This radio is sold for the factory Thunderbird 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-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 — classic Thunderbird USA-740
Will this fit my classic Thunderbird without cutting the dash?
It is built for the original radio opening used on classic Thunderbird 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.
