Cleaning old metal gas tank

[Gearjammer]

My winter project is rebuilding an old 126 that has been setting for quite some time. I'd like your ideas for the solvent (or a combination of solvents) to clean out the rust and varnish that has built up in the metal gas tank. I'm thinking maybe gasohol and Sea Foam almost full tank and shaking early and often and then pouring the whole think on a brush pile next time I have a bonfire followed by blowing the tank completely dry with the blow gun on the compressor. Your thoughts and opinions...???

 

[Russ2251]

Try straight acetone.

 

[cpurvis]

Sandblasting sand or bead blasting beads. Shake vigorously. Flush with alcohol.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

White vinegar works well too.

 

[bertsmobile1]

If you have access to a cementmixer the 1/3 fill the tank with gravel, old rusty nuts ( kill 2 birds with one stone ) or similar material.
Wrap the tank up and tie it very securely to one of the mixer blades
Turn the mixer on and come back in a couple of hours.
A commonly used method for motorcycle tanks.

Once cleaned either line the tank or give it a phosphate treatment or just fill it with fuel.

 

[7394]

Lots of good options here.