[Richard D]

So I have this cool old frame with a sporty tank welded and molded on. It isn't heavily rusted; but there is some in there and I'd like to take care of it before feeding my freshly rebuilt Panhead from this tank. Any ideas?

 

[96dragginsdime]

get a petcock on it, fill it up with vinegar for a day.... drain through the petcock and then run some water with baking soda mixed in, then alittle oil rinsed around should be good to go.

 

[Zeeman]

+1 on the above.. & use inline fuel filters when setting up fuel lines.

 

[[email protected]]

+2 on the vinegar and inline filters -

 

[Black Market]

If the petcock is aluminium vinegar will eat it if left too long.

Vinegar will totally and safely do the job but provided you can leave it several days. It works very well but quite slowly. Rather than a petcock just bolt a plug onto the tank and leave the vinegar in there longer.

 

[Richard D]

Thanks guys.

 

[Neo Dutch]

Use citirc acid.

 

[Skibo]

There's a product called 'ospho' which is a blend of phosphoric acid and dichromic acid that will convert the surface rust into iron phosphate. You basically fill the tank, slosh it around, and let it dry. Won't seal any leaks but will prevent further rusting. Should also clean the tank enough to allow welding any pinholes.

You should run a filter anyway regardless of what's in the tank.

 

[Richard D]

I've used Ospho for years. The problem is sloshing it around. I can't lift and shake the whole frame.

 

[worn]

I've used Ospho for years. The problem is sloshing it around. I can't lift and shake the whole frame.

You could build a temporary rotisserie out scrap material or even lumber to slosh around whatever you decide to use to de-rust it, then again to slosh around the sealer.

 

[Richard D]

I was thinking that. Probably what I'll need to do.

 

[Skibo]

I've found the best way to do things like this is to buy a case of beer and call a friend. More than one friend and you get to supervise.

 

[need louvers ?]

I have also had good luck with a hardware and grocery store product called CLR. It works a bit faster than vinegar.

 

[Richard D]

I've found the best way to do things like this is to buy a case of beer and call a friend. More than one friend and you get to supervise.

Then I'd need more than one case. "Fuck it, might as well get a keg" Next morning, "Weren't we supposed to fix your bike yesterday?"

 

[vintagespeed]

i've used a small piece of chain in tanks to knock off the scale when cleaning/sloshing.

 

[little d]

Richard, some guys talk about wood bleach on this thread- http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96277 , have never used it but it does sound like it may be worth a try, D.

 

[Greybeard Bob]

I am vinegaring my tanks as we speak, its amazing what it does. I woulda never thunk it. Good luck with yours.