thanks boxester6354 - i'm looking for my 101 Projects book - i know it's around here somewhere.
from the write up on pedro's garage and PP, it seems that it's a PITA, but certainly do-able. i like pedro's advice: "Now breathe in deeply and be as patient as possible."
i'm sure once the new tank arrives it'll be clear on why i need to remove hoses from inside the engine compartment, but looking at the tank that's currently in place, why are the hoses not removed from the tank allowing it to be removed?
**EDIT: i see it now that i found my projects book. there are a couple of hoses that attached to the "front" of the tank going into the engine bay. seems like an odd design.
i see three hoses for the coolant reservoir and the large oil filler tube. i assume there's a larger one on the backside that actually delivers coolant and that's the one that is "troublesome"...
since removing the carpet i've 1) found the emergency release cable for the rear trunk. i always thought it was more mythical than reality:
and b) found out there's a light in the rear trunk. i've never had a light since owning the car. apparently the light has burned out.