Replacing pickups in fuel tank

[apagano]

I have a 1977 Marine Trader with two 200 Gal steel fuel tanks. Starboard tank may need a pickup replacement.has anyone done this? The reason i ask is that all the fixtures and existing
pickups are all welded to the tanks. Any advise would be appreciated

 

[Bmarler]

Are those top mount dip tubes? I would have thought they’d be welded bungs in the lower side of the tank.
There are fittings designed to be installed in the top of the tank that don’t require welding, but you do need access to the top of the tank to drill the hole and install the dip tube.

 

[CharlieO.]

I would suggest that this may be the opportune time to add an access port to the side of your tank to investigate. May be able to repair from the inside of the tank. I was surprised how much sludge was in the bottom of my 1977 tanks when I cut them up for removal.