Rust on rear chassis axle support

Hi i've been getting my 1983 GLI ready for an mot and whilst replacing the rear brake lines I noticed that there is a hole in the drivers side rear chassis member, next to the mounting point for the swing arm. Damn! Anyhow, so this is gonna need welding, the trouble is that I am definitely gonna need to drop the swing arm to carry out a proper repair, also the fuel pump, lines, brake pipes and fuel tank is right next to the area that welding will be taking place.

So my question is can anyone offer me any advice on what the best course of action is, it it a total strip out job or can I just drop the rear swing arm, remove the fuel pump and move the pipes out the way and get someone to weld a plate in?

Thanks in advance.

Toby

Personally I wouldn't risk welding there without removing the tank aswell.

I know it's a pain and more work, but better than blowing yourself up! If you choose not to, then you're probably best doing with with a full tank of fuel in, as vapour is the immediate danger rather than the fuel itself I believe.

Just be prepared to find more work to be done when you start stripping!!

Start cleaning the treads which the rear beam is held on with and plenty of soaking in Plusgas for a couple of days as they look a little rusty in the pictures, you don't want to shear them off as well.

Ok thanks for the advice, I better get stuck in then.