in a pickle after failed fuel filter replacement effort

[volvo4fun]

2001 V70 T5
Set out to replace the fuel filter with help of the instructions found on this site.
My fuel filter connectors did have the fittings that need to be pressed in to release.
On the tank side it came off, on the engine side I had to pick the connector apart to get if off the fuel filter nipple.

Found a replacement connector at Autozone and proceeded with cutting off the existing connector.
I could not get the barb of the new connector into the existing fuel line.

Try adding some heat from a heat gun but that caused the fuel line to kink.

Looks like I need to replace the fuel line from the filter to the engine.

This is what I have seen at the dealer:
the fuel line from the filter goes up into a T;
one section goes towards the fuel tank;
the other section goes to the front of the car.

The fuel line sits in a tray and there is a connector somewhere near the fire wall.

Looking for suggestions to do this job.

Do I need to drop the tank?
Is there access from above?
Etc...

TIA
Robert

[abscate]

Lets get a real diagram from VIDA posted up here to sort this out.