MG Car Repair: gas tank, jb weld, naked flames

Question
i removed the gas tank on my 1975 mg midget, to have it cleaned. i'afraid that i have ruined the connection for the fuel line. is it possible to open the tank and replace or refit the pick up tube. all suggestions welcome. except for the rust inside and out the tank is in good condition and does not leak. thanks in advance for this and all my other questions.
jm
kent, ohio

Answer
Hi James,
On top of the tank is a sender unit.  The later MGB has a similar unit, except it has a fuel line through it as well.  Could you modify your sender unit to run a new pickup pipe through the flange and down to the bottom of the tank?  You will need to plug the old pickup pipe.  This could be done with JB Weld.  

Please be very careful when handling the tank, because an empty tank will be full of fuel vapour (even after washing it out), so avoid naked flames near the tank.  Also, do not try to drill or file the tank, because a single spark could cause it to explode.