Need to replace the right rear speaker, any recommendations on DIY vs dealer vs independent vs audio sound shop?

 

In my younger, more flexible days I'd DIY but today I'd go to a car audio shop. In either case I'd replace the pair for 3 reasons: 1. they are usually only sold in pairs; 2. you want them matched for equal performance; and 3. if one is bad the other can't be far behind. The advantage to an audio shop is that you can listen to different speakers and choose what you like and the pricing for a pair will likely be less than what a dealer would charge for just one. The audio shop can advise on which speakers will work best with your system.

 

Access to the speaker is pretty simple. Remove the top cap that is the trim above the speaker including the seat belt mount. Now if you look down into the abyss you will find some bent tabs that look like speaker cover material. With a long flat bar pry those straight. then simply pry the speaker cover off. the speaker has 4 screws mounting it and you will have to clip the wires they are soldered on. They have a color code so snip about an inch back from the connection.
Now for speaker replacement they a 4 OHM not an easy speaker to find. I took my original speakers and sent them to Orange County Speaker Repair. They re-coned them and they work like new.

 

Mine sounded bad upon receipt of the car...many things needed tlc, i ripped out the rear seat and took the speakers out of the box...went to good guys with that speaker, matched it for fit , soldered them into place, put it all back and they work perfectly, 2 speakers, by infinity, about $100 or less and a mess of stuff in and out of the car, about 3 hours plus, it would be easier to do now that i have done it.