'78 Fuel Hose Replacement

Hi

I need to change the rubber hoses from the hard lines to the fuel pump on my '78 as one, the return I think, is leaking.

I have a few questions:   

Will I need to drain the fuel tank to do this?   

If I decide/discover that the rubber lines at the tank end also need changing, is that possible without removing the tank, working through the filler aperture to get them off the sender?

Again, necessary to drain the tank?

I've ordered the new front hoses (everything is taking longer and is more expensive since the stupid UK Brexit triggered import rule changes here in Europe!) but have yet to order the rear hose, which I appear to need to buy "per foot".  I know I need ethanol proof line, and I understand these are 1/4 and 3/8 inch ID hoses, but any tips on what outside diameter I need for them to be safe?

Thanks!

Seems if you gently clamp the hose back at the tank that goes to the hard line (if it is accessible), that should minimize the amount of fuel that will leak out of the front hoses.  

Not sure about changing the rear hoses.

A belated up-date on this!  

I did in fact manage to change the front rubber hoses with almost no fuel loss!   I had some correctly sized plugs handy and as I pulled the rubber hoses off the metal lines, quickly plugged them.  That allowed me to work on the pump end of the hoses.  I just repeated the process in reverse when putting the rubber hoses back on - just a quick swap of plug for the hose!

The hardest part was dealing with the stock spring clips, made no easier by having a pair of pliers apparently made for the job!🙄