Can you do this on a third gen?

I've had 2 fourth gen Camaros, and I've learned the hard way that you don't have to pay out the hole to have your fuel pump changed out. Anyway, one of my buddies bought an 87 (I think) Trans Am, but the fuel pump is out in it. His dad cut out the hole in the hatch, but said you'd have to drop out the gas tank to change the fuel pump. I'm pretty sure that you can trade it out while in the the car, because what would you really gain from having the tank on the ground? I mean I don't see what you would really gain out of it because you stil work with the same hole in the tank to do it.

So, if you can do this with the tank in the car, and I'm pretty sure you can, what all tools would you need to do this? Is it pretty straight forward? I think we could do it in an afternoon since we've already got the hole cut and the parts.

Im almost 100% sure my brother was able to replace it without dropping the gas tank, as for the tools you need, i wasn't there to see so i cant really help you.

Yes, you have to take out the gas tank to get the the fuel pump. I had my father and his friend ( both work for GM, lead designers) tell me so. Also you can go to Murrays if you have one near your house and pick up a book on the 82-89 trans am, as well as camaro. I find the book very useful. But again, you must go thought the gas tank to get to the fuel pump.

for the tools i have not the slightest idea, but the book i mentioned above^ does say what tools.