2) Disconnect the fuel lines at the rubber line between the fuel sending unit and the main body lines.
3) Disconnect the fuel sender wire and the fuel sender ground wire.
4) Unbolt the bottom strap bolts and drop the tank. It is very helpful here to have a helper.
Eastwood makes a gas tank cleaning/derusting system in case you decide not to pop for a new tank (about $200).
If you want to "hide" an inline filter, there might be enough rubber line to splice one in along the rear frame rails between the body lines and the gas tank. It would be tough to see there.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
I don't know if you have any Gas Tank Re-Nu locations down there, but if you do, get a price from them. I recently had a tank relined, blasted and painted for $140. Hard to beat.
They normally paint a semi-gloss black, but if you hand them a spray bomb with the correct paint they'll normally shoot it.