I know that there are many threads on this subject but mine has a bit of a twist. I have a gas tank that has some rust inside and out but it is not horrible and does not leak. the tank has been empty for so many years that inside the tank doesn't even smell like gas anymore. I wire-brushed the exterior of the tank and used a rust converter on it. As far as the inside of the tank goes I want to try and remove the rust that is in there in a way that I can preserve the metal that is left. I know that many say use muriatic acid but I am afraid that it will eat away at some spots that might be thin. I have read the threads about using mol***es on this site and am wondering if this would be the way to go as I don't think mol***es would attack any marginal areas of the tank. I am dead against using a tank sealer after reading the countless horror stories about sealers failing.
Phosphoric Acid.... It eats rust very rapidly, and solid metal very slowy. I used it inside my tank and it worked wonders. You can get it at Home Depot in gallon jugs sold as phosphoric prep and etch (a concrete etching product) can't remember the manufacturer's name, maybe klean-strip?
I bought brand stinking new tanks for both my 1949 Chevy and my 61 Dodge. I now don't have to worry every time my car farts as to whether I'll be on the side of the road with a clogged fuel filter or worse. the thing about tanks is they usually rust from the inside out so it is hard to tell how thin the metal has become. My 49 tank had some pinholes on the top... then I gave it the screwdriver test and it had 3/8 inch screwdriver holes in it. glad I didn't put any money into it as it was junk. probably could have cleaned the Dodge tank but figured it was money well spent for the piece of mind I now have.
If the metal on your gas tank is that thin, you should probably think about replacing it! A leaking gas tank could turn into a major problem real fast!
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