On my 1978 F100 (302, mech fuel pump), I have a fuel hard line running from the fuel pump up towards the carburetor intake. A piece of fuel hose then connects from the hard line to the carb banjo fitting. The routing of the hard line is tough because the AC compressor bracket is on the right side (driver's side), so the hard line snakes around it. The picture below shows the typical hard line. My hard line needs replaced, and I'm considering 3 options: 1) get a replacement like the photo below, 2) custom fabricate hard line and connect it directly to the carburetor inlet, 3) fabricate a run of AN hose and connect it directly to the carburetor inlet. Is there a preferred method? If option 1 is safe, then that is the easiest route. I'm not sure how I'd route AN hose without it laying against at least one component that could get hot. With hard line I can at least float it off any of the engine surfaces. Any suggestions?

Also - my fuel filter is inline on the segment of rubber hose. I'd like to relocate it either right after the fuel tank (suction side, unfortunately) or plumb it directly to the fuel pump outlet. That would require several fittings ($) and limit me to a sintered bronze or stainless mesh filter...not much surface area!

Thanks!