Hello, I saw someone had done this before on this particular make and model so I gave it a shot. Why they didn't design it like this is the first place......well makes sense I guess, but sure is a PITA to not have it like this.

First off, you have to drop the fuel pump side of the tank and in order to do that, you need to lower the subframe and link arm on that side, (also take out the back seat and get the flooring up)


Then you can cut your hole. Be carefull of the tank and emergency brake cable. Go slow and take your time. Keep the rear seat mount, salvage it to reinstall on the new plate that you are going to make.


Hello Pump


Fix pump or replace. I fixed this one with a new wire, as I traced it back to a bad power wire for the pump itself.



Make your template a 1/2" oversized from the material you cut out.


Bend and fit into place as best as you can. It will take time but is worth a snug fit. Use a solid piece of steel too, as you need to remount the seat to it.


Install and hold into place. Reinstall seat with bracket and mark where the bracket needs to go.


Clean up plate and weld on the bracket.


Paint. Zip screw into place with RTV on the overlap parts and around the edges once you get in on. DONE. Clean up and remember to jack the tank back into place and reinstall the subframe stuff. Now you can access your pump again if you need to. It all gets covered up by the carpet and looks somewhat factory.


Clean up the (crappy) beer you drank during the process.

 

Well, good thing I did this mod, the thing is leaking again over 15 gal full. I think my "fix" for a wire plug is now bad.......I also never go the tank to register on the fuel gauge and the MTE (Miles till empty) always read dashes only.