Modern Vespa

Of all the things on the Barone project, I am dreading cleaning the tank the most! Back in the day, Voodoo posted a photo of his gas tank shaker that the local kids get suckered into doing for him. Something with the tank suspended with springs and then some kind of arm to push against it.

I can't find the photo but want to build my own tank shaker. Anyone got handy photos of theirs, or of something else that does the job?

The standard:

EvapoRust or the slowboat vinegar....

https://www.amazon.com/Evapo-Rust-Original-contains-non-toxic-biodegradable/dp/B00M0TLQ66

Let me clarify, I want to get rid of all the varnish inside the tank. Exterior is fine. Rust treatment definitely after the first few cleanings.

The Works toilet bowl cleaner (it's basically muriatic acid), and old nuts and bolts. Pour it in with the nuts and bolts, shake it around and let set, then move it into the next position. I've used this stuff forever, its dirt cheap and it works great. I strain it and put it back into the bottle and use it again if you need to.

Yep! I just don't want to get wet this time. That's why I want to build a shaker but can't find the photo.

I can vouch for the drier and blanket method. I used fine quartz gravel. I wrapped the tank in a moving blanket and duct taped it on, then wrapped it in other blankets. It completely muffles the sound so the Mrs won't even know what you're up to. You cannot physically shake the tank long enough to get these results.

Bingo! Figure I'll build a box shape and hang the tank with some small bungee cords in 4 corners. Don't think I'll build a lever arm though, I'm envisioning just stepping on the top of the tank like an old fashioned sewing machine. Definitely cleaner with some nuts and bolts and I'll stomp away and watch a show to kill time.

Wow! Amazing. That worked even with the varnish? Or after the varnish to polish/ rust?

I'm fond of acetone for dissolving varnish. Or hot water, dish soap and baking soda.

My tank had a nasty layer of sealer over the rust. Acetone dissolved it. It should completely dissolve varnish. The tumble dry took care of the rust. It's not really necessary to get it down to spotlessly clean steal. Tight surface rust is fine.

That doesn't look rusty. I would just use acetone.

that's not rusty at all, I 2nd the acetone idea.

I'd bet that pine sol at full strength would also blow that out of there if you let it sit a few hrs.

or... just swing by and I'll hook you up.

we can strap it up to the device and have a beer or three and BS about scooter stuff while the business takes place.

Now THAT'S a shaker!!!

Wish you were a little closer! I'd bring a case for you.

Back alley and industrial drive bys didn't turn up anything. I was looking for either a dryer on the curb, or a small end table I could overturn and suspend a tank to the legs. I found 4 springs for the suspension but will have to build a frame.

here's the whole sordid affair: Tanks, a lot...

I'll throw it in the truck and meet you half way!

I'm sure there's a pool hall somewhere in-between that has a back alley for us to stash it and we can scab some juice out the back door for that sucker...

Maybe something like this

Lol, I remember that one.

Gotta love the ACME Wile E Coyote tank shaker. Probably worth finding a rustier tank just to have an excuse to build one.

I wish I could remember enuff to find the YouTube video of a resourceful farmer guy who fixes old motor driven equipment and often deals w/ crusty and gummed up small gas tanks. He has a simple solution that works pretty well.

He just bungees the tank to the center of a rear wheel of his pickup when he knows he'll be just driving slow. I think he even swaps to the other side after a while so he gets good action both ways! If you have spoked wheels on car or truck, this just might work for you.

About the 2:10 mark…

?si=K5fr7cUXdN-Uw_SY

MJ and I were talking about this last night, and one of the biggest issues is just the awkwardness of the tanks with a provision for oil injection. even more so on the early tanks where the oil stuff is all integrated.

I think the easiest way is to fashion some type of frame or device that utilizes the stock tank mounts and then spins the tank on a perpendicular plane.

the problem here, is that you need to fill the tank with more cleaner/substrate than if you do it the other way (if any of that makes sense).

to me, that seems like the best compromise of the situation.

I can invision some sort of frame that you strap the tank into and spin it like a spit roast, maybe with a geared setup and power from a drill or small motor.

Or just get a cement mixer and modify the mixer part

my initial ideal was to get a rotisserie for a bbq, it doesn't need to turn necessarily fast. but once you start putting a bunch of crap in the tank, weight becomes a legit concern.

I think a small motor with a rheostat to power it would be about ideal. the trick is going to be how to support it all

I did this many years ago with a pretty roasted tank. I bought some treaded rod and welded three arms to it and attached it to an old corded drill. Then I attached the tank to it with some straps. Supported the end with a block of wood with a hole drilled in it and placed the drill in a vise. Taped down the trigger so it barely spun and bingo bango. It worked and cost me like 5 bucks. Should have kept it.