I have never came across this problem b4, if it is that bad I would consider removing the centre dash panel and pull the whole lot forward so u can get to the plugs.
Good luck!
I recently purchased a used radio/cassette player for this car. I am having
> trouble getting my old radio out. I fabricated the two release tools from > a
> coat hanger and they worked OK but the radio assembly will not come out > far
> enough to get to the wireing plugs. It appears that the plug that attaches
> to the back of the hot/cold knob is hanging me by not giving me enough
> slack to get to the wireing plugs. I am afraid to really put a lot of
> pressure on it as I might break it. Does anyone have any suggestions on
> getting this unit out or how to get more slack on the assembly that is
> giving me trouble. My Escort repair manual does not adress this problem. >
> Thanks,
> Maser
>