this gunk is what came from the fuel filter on a miata which had drivablity issues. rust and water degredation of fuel is caused by a car sitting for a long period of time.

the brown gunk visible in this shot is rust. this is what caused the tank to have to be removed, and is a by-product of the car sitting for years. condensation produces water, which rusts the inside of the tank over time.
this tank must come out of the car and be replaced.

intact rear subframe, including differential, axles, control arms, uprights and brakes. this unit can be removed as you see it.

shot showing the tank in place. fuel tank is a large V shape, filling the available space behind the seats and above the subframe.

this shot shows the rear of the car including the area where the tank mounts. everything from the center of the car back has been removed, including the rear subframe, drive shaft, differential, power plant frame (PPF) exhaust and the fuel tank

you are actually looking up into the cockpit of the car thru the fuel pump access hole behind the driver's seat.

this shot is from the right side rear of car. shocks are left in and the other items seen dangling include the parking brake cables, fuel lines and brake lines.

pretty, clean tank going in. this is what you should see when removing the fuel pump.