Obviously you don't live in a northern state (Michigan here) where everything under a 10 year old truck is rusted out from the road salt! I don't see what the big deal is. Just cut out 3 sides and bend it back, then bend it back in place. You could rivet it back, seal it with metal tape, etc. All kinds of ways to keep out dust and dirt. Chances are if i tried to drop my tank, I'd end up having to replace all the straps and bolts, and pray that none of the fuel lines are rusted enough to brake where they connect to the flex tubing. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance and would be more than willing to cut a hole in the floorboards to replace it.