Welcome, Buck!!
There is no access panel, but there's some discussion of cutting a hole in a different thread.
I'm not going to paste that yet.
Dropping the tank isn't that hard. Put the back end of the car up on ramps, and disconnect the (presumably stock) exhaust from the hangers, and let it "dangle" This gets you a few more inches to work with.
Unbolt the tank, and let it rest on the exhaust. You should be able to reach on top of the passenger side of it, and remove the pump and basket assembly.
It's been years since I've done this, so I forget the exact procedure, but this, or something close to it, should get the job done.
Some good discussion on this is located here:
http://www.lincolnsofdistinction.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?1862-fuel-pump
Now, if you're still interested in cutting your way in from the top, there's some talk about it here:
http://www.lincolnsofdistinction.or...fuel-pump-changing-some-one-gimme-some-advice