1965 Gas tank muriatic acid cleaning

[projo198]

Figured this might help someone someday.

This tank came off a 1965 Ford Thunderbird. I didn't know the history so I yanked the tank to be sure. I didn't take a "before" photo, but there was quite a bit of varnish build up inside.

I have read of people using muriatic acid/water and letting them soak, but I am impatient so I did this instead. I added a gallon of the acid, then a few handfuls of spare nuts/bolts. Then I spent a few awkward moments in my garage holding the tank up and agitating it back and forth, side to side. Dumped the acid and parts and ran it to the carwash for a liberal spray-down inside and out. Got pretty good results!

https://i.*********/RkMpJyhh.jpg

https://i.*********/udPfje3h.jpg

I cleaned the outside last night, hung it and gave it a solid coat of cold galvanize spray paint. Will post pics of that later today.

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[DannyInNJ]

But you didn't get anyone to film you shaking the nuts & bolts around?? Now THAT I'd have liked to see (set to some nice Latin music).
Anyway, looks like the whole process worked very well. Don't forget to post the "after" pictures.

 

[BigClay]

Figured this might help someone someday.

This tank came off a 1965 Ford Thunderbird. I didn't know the history so I yanked the tank to be sure. I didn't take a "before" photo, but there was quite a bit of varnish build up inside.

I have read of people using muriatic acid/water and letting them soak, but I am impatient so I did this instead. I added a gallon of the acid, then a few handfuls of spare nuts/bolts. Then I spent a few awkward moments in my garage holding the tank up and agitating it back and forth, side to side. Dumped the acid and parts and ran it to the carwash for a liberal spray-down inside and out. Got pretty good results!

https://i.*********/RkMpJyhh.jpg

https://i.*********/udPfje3h.jpg

I cleaned the outside last night, hung it and gave it a solid coat of cold galvanize spray paint. Will post pics of that later today.

You need to flush it with a soda solution (baking soda) to neutralize the remaining acid. Then dry it with compressed air/heated air.

 

[projo198]

You need to flush it with a soda solution (baking soda) to neutralize the remaining acid. Then dry it with compressed air/heated air.

Well I hope washing it at the car wash got rid of the acid, because it's already back on the car!

I did wash/rinse it for about 20 minutes, then blew it out with air and then hung it to dry for a day. I left a rag at the bottom-most part to capture any moisture, it was quite dry when I finished. I hope that was enough.