Charcoal Canister replacement

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I'm staring at my canister, which is no good. If they're good the charcoal should feel loose when you shake the canister. Can't speak for all, but the 71 truck canister does not open (WTH were they "thinking", they would last forever?).....

I believe the alternatives are 1. Cut the canister open to replace the charcoal, and glue it back together. 2. Take it off, use a vented gas cap and leave the line for the gas tank open with a breather on the end See edit.

My questions are:

1. Are there any other practical alternatives?

2. Have you been able to locate a reproduction that fits and has the correct hose nipples? Note: There are three nipples. One from the gas tank, one from the carb and one from a PCV valve.

Incidentally: Appears replacing the canister with NOS or an OEM that's still good is next to impossible.

Edit: Well, once upon a time I had breather cap on the end of the line coming from the tank. I just got underneath and it's no longer this way. There are three lines for the fuel pump. 1. Gas in from the tank. 2. The air line from the gas tank. 3. Gas to the carb. I'm not mechanical enough to know what this is all about, I can only say it works.