Step one of getting the 1972 CB 500 back on the road was removal of the failed Caldwell tank liner installed by the previous owner. I started by rinsing it out with dawn dish detergent, then moved to Simple Green HD Pro. A lot of really large flakes came out but I could see that I needed something a little more powerful. I filled the tank with acetone then added some bolts and a 3 foot length of chain as an agitator. Every couple of hours I would shake the tank then shift its position so that the acetone soaked the entire tank. After 18 hours I rinsed the tank with the hose and huge chunks of liner came floating out. I then finished the clean out by modifying my shop vac with a smaller hose. I do not have an inspection camera but wanted to make sure all the liner was out before I started with Step 2 rust removal. I called Atlanta Motorcycle Works in Woodstock and they were kind enough to put the tank on a bench and scope it for me. Good to go. Next step is soaking in Evaporust.
