Interstate tank storage - suggestions

Hi All-

After finishing the rebuild of my ‘74 MKII 850, I am currently saving cash for a rebuild of my recently purchased MKIII. I have also purchased an Interstate tank, which is in pretty good condition. Close inspection reveals some light rust appearing on both lower edges near the petcock, and also on the very top.

As it will likely be another year or more before I will be in position to begin the full rebuild, I would like to do what I can to keep any additional rust in check. The tank is in primer as it will be painted in the coming months.

Any suggestions for prevent maintenance? I thought perhaps a light coat of thin oil to swish around the inside of the tank would be helpful. But wondering if there is a more efficient method.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Tom

Two stroke oil would work. Any residue left after a rinse would not harm anything.

swish some rust treatment around inside it.


or

https://www.hirschauto.com/GAS-TANK-ETCH/productinfo/TE-01/

Evapo-rust worked very well for me. Filled the tank about half way full and kept repositioning the tank to get all sides covered. I let it sit for an hour or more in each position. Left a nice gray finish that seems to resist future rust. Doesn’t damage paint, water soluble, and re-usable. Did two tanks a couple of years ago and still rust free.

Any of those products that contain phosphoric acid will dissolve any rust in the tank and will "pickle" the remaining
exposed metal to be somewhat impervious to oxidation.

Cheesehead Commando said:

I thought perhaps a light coat of thin oil

Click to expand...

My 2 cents:
home heating oil or diesel. 1 cup swish it around then seal off the openings. Then only exterior rust is your worry.