I like keeping my gas lines from the tank to the carb. all steel. If you cut the line, flare the ends and use a coupling to bring them together, I don't see a problem with that. You just create one more potential source of a leak I guess. I would try and get it to fit in one piece first. Not sure about being able to replace it with the body on. I know on my '71 GTO, I bought a gas line that came in one piece. From everything I read and the folks I spoke with including the repair manual, all suggested to raise the body at the rear area. A few others said it was possible but difficult with the body as is. So, I have a brand new line in my garage. There is no way in hell I'm lifting that body for anything. If I decide to put it on, I will look one last time and then probably cut it, Carmine.