Need some help w/ Hardwiring

[E53X5]

if you can get a screw in that hole and its flat when you are done, then go for it. Plus sand down the paint a bit to expose the bare metal. You want a good ground.

Thanks, where do you think I should put the mute button?

If you aren't planning on using it, cut it off and solder the wires straight through.

[Eric29]

You can buy self tapping screws at any hardware store. The ends look like they have small drill bits on them. Just drill it into the pillar behind the trim. If you scratch anything, no one wil see it when you put the car back together.

I didn't find a metal screw to use for a ground. It's all connected by plastic ones. It it possible to do it in the A pillar?

Make your own ground; drill a small hole into the metal A pillar and put a metal screw into it, presto! If you don't wanna drill you'll have to extend the ground wire to wherever there's an existing ground screw. I'd recommend drilling your own at wherever makes sense; doesn't have to be big. Just make sure your screw makes contact with bare metal and not just the paint.

Thanks! Would any of these holes work to drill in a screw?

[bigcletus]

I too am fascinated by this method. Would the old phone cord have to be re-wired in the modular plug or is the power and ground ok to use as is ??

[E53X5]

I too am fascinated by this method. Would the old phone cord have to be re-wired in the modular plug or is the power and ground ok to use as is ??

Just make sure you use the right wires for 12V and ground when you hardwire them and you'll be OK. I don't remember the exact pin-out right now, but you can easily figure it out by looking at your factory power adapter. Also, most phone cords will have 4 wires in them, but you will only be using two of them.

[bigcletus]

Thanks...

[pilot_corey]

I would caution against drilling holes, especially if its a new-ish car and one you love. All you need for a ground is a bolt going to metal so you have 0 volts on the ground. If you do hardwire with the add-a-fuse (see below) almost any screw in the fuse-box area should work fine.

As far as tapping into a line or using an old phone cord, I found the easiest way is simply the add-a-fuse. Its almost impossible to screw up, looks just as hidden, and its always removable if you need to take everything apart (which is not always the case when you have spliced or connected existing wires in your dash or overhead console. The direct wire kit from Escort is so cheap that you are crazy not to use it. It even has the little thing that taps into existing wires with a little crimp, and the whole package can be bought at Best Buy. Not a bad deal at all.

Good luck!