H3T 2009 H3T Alpha - Stereo Replacement

[6FiRE9]

So I finally decided to replace my factory deck. I have an H3T Alpha with the factory 6-disc changer, I've done some reading but with all the H3 & H3T variations it's a bit confusing.
I replaced the door speakers last fall, ran into a surprise with the 4-wire rear 6x9's but they seem to be acting like subs and sound alright with what I put in.
Front Speakers - Polk Audio DB651 6.5-Inch Coaxial Speakers
Rear Speakers - JBL GTO938 6-Inch x 9-Inch


My plan is to replace the deck, I want to retain SiriusXM so already purchased the XSV300
I also got the 40-GM10 radio antenna adapter & Metra 95-3304 dash kit
For the deck I think I'm going to buy the Sony XAV-AX7000 as it has a higher wattage output and I don't want to screw with an amp


What's left is the following I hope to get some assistance with:
- Tweeters, should I replace them while I'm already doing this work?
- I have an OEM backup camera in the rear view mirror, is there an easy way to move this or duplicate the image to my new deck?
- I want to retain Onstar, chimes, Rapp etc, from what I've read the GMOS-100 was the correct module but is discontinued, would the GMOS-04 work for me?
- Also I saw a video where you can remove the antenna connector from the factory XM remove the plug case and connect directly into the XSV300, so I think I'm good there
- I know I'll probably have to run separate power for the higher output deck as well


Have I missed anything or made any mistakes here?


Thanks in advance!
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[JPaul]

The OEM rear view camera interface is proprietary, you're better off adding another camera to integrate with the radio head. That's my plan, plus you can put it in a different location so you can see your bed or trailer while you're driving if you put it up higher (like at the 3rd brake light).

I'd replace the tweeters, it's easy to do. The pillar covers are held on with on screw. I just did mine and used hot glue to fasten the new tweeters in place.

 

[6FiRE9]

Thanks for the reply, I'm actually happy with the current rear camera placement, but might add a front camera and maybe I'll think about an alternate rear not the worst idea actually.

Ok sounds like tweeters might be a no brainer, any recommendation for make/model/size?

 

[alrock]

I dunno, I had a shop do my replacement :emb:. I didn't have any cameras so I added front and rear. I was already using a different XM antenna due to my roof rack and how it interfered with the OEM antenna. I was not worried about Onstar but I did retain factory chimes etc. However, I can't give you technical info so my post here is essentially worthless. Carry on . . .

 

[JPaul]

Thanks for the reply, I'm actually happy with the current rear camera placement, but might add a front camera and maybe I'll think about an alternate rear not the worst idea actually.

Ok sounds like tweeters might be a no brainer, any recommendation for make/model/size?

This is what I went with, but I have the Monsoon system:

Infinity Primus PR6510CS 6-1/2” 2-Way Component System + PR6512IS 6-1/2" 2-Way Speakers

Looks like you went with coaxial speakers in the front rather than component (which, while cheap, is what the H3's came with). I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with this approach, but I don't think it's optimal either. Course I only spent $160 for the full set of front and rears on mine, so...

Seems like if you have the Alpha then you should also have the Monsoon system, though I think the one in the H3T doesn't have a separate subwoofer like the H3's do. If you have the Monsoon then I'm not sure that the speakers you bought are a good match for the amp, but I very well could be wrong. There are other guys on here that are much more versed in sound systems than I am that will likely chime in at some point.

The factory tweeters are fine, but can definitely be upgraded.

 

[rsm688]

Get the Alpine ILX650 and the Power Pak amp. It's a small 45w per line plug and play 4 channel amp that just plugs into the headunit. Really helps put a lot more sound out of the door speakers. With good door speakers the tweeters don't make much improvement I have just ignored them in my past H3s. The ILX is half the depth of most double DIN units so leaves plenty room behind it for the amp and wires (small). You can run the amp off factory wiring but I prefer to run a separate single small gauge power line and can ground it behind the dash easy. I just put that setup in my Alpha and works great and used the same in my lotus and saleen mustang and has been killer for the money in both. It's like $675 for the headunit and amp off amazon. Replace the factory sub with a beater one (I used the slim alpine sub) and add some polyfill to the factory sub box. Decent upgrade from factory sub and cheap and don't have to mess with amp or wiring. I also put some soundproofing material around there. Make sure the screws on the factory sub box are tight they get loose with time and rattle especially with a better sub. I put loctite on them and wedged some sound proof material behind the box so it's snug and rattles none. If you want a camera just add a second one on the license plate or hidden in your spare and then you have the factory camera on the mirror and another on the dash.

 

[6FiRE9]

I thought about component speakers, but at the time I couldn't find the ones I wanted and these were available locally and one of the OEM speakers had blown so I rushed to replace them. I might swap them out again depending, but for now I'm more concerned about getting the new deck installed.

So I honestly am not sure how to determine if I have a monsoon system. I read that on the H3T the amp location is behind the rear passenger seat, but I don't see one and I don't believe the H3T came with a sub only larger rear door speakers. I also believe I read that the 6disc changer comes with the monsoon system which I have, but I don't know if that's just the H3 or if that applies to the H3T as well because I always read about an amp & sub which I don't seem to have? This is part of the reason I'm looking for the assistance, seems this is one area where the H3's and the H3T's differ a bit.

Thanks rsm688, I'll look into that deck very cool looking option! Now I'm thinking maybe going that route would let me keep the deck on the factory deck power wire, then I could leverage one of the factory aux wires that are already hanging on either side of the firewall for an easy alternate power for the amp. Would make things a bit easier and cleaner. The H3T has the spare tire under the box bed, but I could do a license plate or install a camera on my custom canopy.

 

[JPaul]

Seems like if it has the 6-disc changer it has the Monsoon. It's apparently behind a panel that is behind the rear seat, so maybe it's not immediately visible. The amp itself isn't very large, maybe 6x10 inches or so. Based on a line drawing I found it will be on the passenger side. I finally found a picture of the rear seats folded down on the H3T and there are plastic trim panels back there, the amp would be behind the panel and looks to be bolted to the sheet metal.

The H3T did not have the subwoofer (not enough room) so the rear door speakers were treated as sub's.

 

[6FiRE9]

I finally managed to get the rear panel off that was behind the rear seats, it really did not want to come off and broke a clip possibly 2.
Low and behold I found the Monsoon amp, you guys were correct! Thanks JPaul for pointing me in the right direction!

Guess I have a bit more reading to do now that I know I have the amp to consider in my plan.

I don't suppose that helps with figuring out which Onstar, Rapp, Chimes module I should get?

Thanks again guys this all helps a ton!

 

[Alpha X]

Crutchfield can help you figure everything out. Which dash kit works, which harness connects factory wiring to the wiring on whatever unit you purchase. You probably want a Sirius tuner. You probably want a micro-bypass to use the rear camera when not in reverse. The chime is a new plug in unit for the new harness you buy that retains factory features. You may want to add a front and/or rear camera, depending on how many inputs are on the unit you buy. I didn't touch my factory rear camera wiring. Just add new wiring for an additional rear camera that displays on the new screen.

 

[6FiRE9]

Thanks Alpha X, to be honest I was unsure if Crutchfield was accurate or not. Already got the Sirius tuner, but I didn't think about the micro-bypass that's a good idea.