Motorcycle Repair: Rust in fuel tanks, harley guy, denatured alcohol

Question
aloha,

I have a 1976 FLH which has  been sitting for years due to an illness.  A lot of the fuel that I topped it off with was evaporated (I  couldn't be around for several years).  What's best to get the rust out, any removers,liner products, etc.?  Also, what would you recommend I do to loosen things up before trying to start it?  So far I have drained the tanks (fat bobs) and added some Marvel mystery oil to the cylinders and pushed it  gently in second gear to get thingds moving.   All seems OK so far.  Should I do something manually to make sure I dont have a stuck valve. Should I try to do anything with any rubber seals anywhere.  A local Harley guy here said to use denatured alcohol, BB's and shake, rattle and roll.  He said that the denatured alcohol doesn't eat into the metal like some treatments(?).

Thanks for your time and help

Chris Zornes
zenith10@verizon.net
(808) 332-9339
(808) 332-0572 (fax)

Answer
The best way that I have found to take care of tanks is to remove them and take them to a rediator shop that can clean them and put a coating in them. They will not rust then. Call around in your area and you should be able to find somebody.
I dont think you will have a stuck valve. Never seen that happen.
Once you get the tanks back go ahead and try to start it. Let it run until it get warm then change the oil.
You might have to pull the carb and rebuild it, if it had gas in it when it was parked.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike