removing fuel tank guards ahead of welding

We are just about to remove the tank guards on our L322 2005 3.0 tdi and were wondering if anyone else has done it? The procedure seems quite straight forward, undo 16 bolts and 4 nuts apparently! Now call me a sceptic, but one thing I have learned is that rusty old L322's are full of hidden surprises, none of them nice. I am hoping the nuts and bolts at the top are not too arkward, any advise greatly appreciated as always.

I am sort of answering my own question, removing the tank guards was a real pain in the arse! It needed a large (25cm) extender bar added to another extender to reach the bolts and nuts at the top of the cover. Incredibly difficult to remove the cover EVEN with all the nuts and bolts removed. If you don't need to do it, don't try!