Installing a hardwired Escort RD is pretty easy with their smartcord. Its pretty nice to have a button located other than the top of the windshield, which is the main reason going this route.
The most difficult part was finding a switched wire near the kickpanel. Im used to a fuse box being located around there never the less, there is one.
First thing I started with was finding a good location to mount the Mute button. I found the best spot was just below the push start button under the small step there. for the cleanest install, unscrew the mute button housing, and pull the shell apart. Take care in doing so as the decal in front is attached to both sides. once apart find the location you want to attach under the step there and drill a small 1/8th hole through the top shell, and the step in the dash. If you want to remove it later, there will be no visible mark, being located under the step.
with a small screw (i used a small panhead) attach the top of the shell to the dash. put the button and bottom shell back together and replace the single screw. route the wires into the dash by the right side of the steering wheel.
the ground wire is run to where the hood release is. there is a screw holding the plastic to the subframe, remove that and put the ring of the ground wire there in between the plastic and subframe. replace screw.
for the power wire, the switched 12v one I found is the green with purple stripe wire coming out of the black connector (in the picture its the one with the purple snap connector attached)
Next run the "telephone" wire up the a-pillar on the door side. Its relatively easy to pull the weather stripping back and push the wire in. At the top of the a-pillar, push the headliner in to snake the wire to the other side of the a-pillar. lastly run the wire by way of the headliner to where ever you place your RD. Push leftover wire under the headliner.
If you have any questions let me know.