Everyone said it couldn't be done- it's not hard, you just have to be resourceful.
"Dealer installed" Avic88 with touchscreen was a nightmare- they farmed it out to a hack shop- they stuck the touch screen right to the dash fascia with tape and screws. 
Wiring was hacked up- bad installation in every way. No shop would attempt it, most claimed "no way" to do it.
The key- use a Lincoln LS dash plate and Ford Motorsport dash paint. The pics make the color look a little off, but in person it matches the dash perfectly. I used an adapter to keep the stock subs (use a 5V converter for the turn-on lead). Installed all Polk speakers while I was in there too and a Boyo reverse camera. The t-bird doesn't have a dash dimmer circuit, so tap it at the switch too.
Lousy dealer installation.
Lincoln LS plate
Only thing that required drilling- side mounts. I used stainless cap screws.
Test fit- had to use a Dremel to adapt the LS plate. LOTS of plastic removed.
Painted with Ford dashboard paint.
Installed and working- bypassed too. The flash makes it look as if there's a gap at the top, but there isn't once I put the felt anti-queak stuff between the top of the fascia plate and the top vent assembly. The paint is a little more reflective than the dash, but it is an exact match when not looking at it with a flash strobe. 
Done deal- as it should have been... I made a T-bird background for it and most people now think it is a factory unit. I used a SWIX adapter to retain ALL the steering wheel remote functions. The sound is amazing- Polk Db's all around, Sirius radio, factory amplified subs.
If anyone needs one installed in VT- I think I have it 'down' now that I've done this one.
Thanks a LOT to this board for the info to do this project. I know that like most others, we lurk and learn, but without this forum it wouldn't have been possible. Thanks!