ahhh yess.....that picture is telling.  New tank for me I think.  My time is not worth the $$$$ to be pulling this tank out again in 3 years when it rusts through.  I have my feelers out already in the vancouver area for a used one or a new one.  Will see what happens when the businesses open tomorrow.
To the other chap asking about the job.  I was about 1.5 hours getting the tank out.  Pretty easy.  I have a gowesty kit.  You could put a kit together yourself for far less than the $100 approx this kit was but I wasn't prepared to do all the running around getting bits.  I did have to buy ear clamp pliers - the kit comes with ear clamps.  They were $20 in Canada, im sure they would be half that in the US.  Not having put things back together yet im not totally sure but it looks like I have everything I need for the fuel tank area.  The fuel hose supplied looks a little stingy - a bit extra might be needed but I have that laying around the house and 1/4 or 3/16 fuel hose in short lengths from the FLAPS is cheap.
Cheerio.....anybody selling a gas tank in the vancouver/northwest WA area?
Brett

> Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2011 12:50:19 -0700
> Subject: Re: Surface Rust on Gas Tank (with pics)
> From: musomuso@gmail.com
> To: rueffy@hotmail.com
> CC: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> 
> Hi Brett.
> 
> I used rust inhibitor on vehicle frame NOT on the fuel tank. Wasn't
> suggesting using that stuff on a fuel tank.     :)
> 
> If it were me, I'd replace that tank.
> 
> At best, I'm a shade tree mechanic, not an expert. But IMO, (based on
> your pics) rust inhibitor, paint etc. on a fuel tank in that condition
> would only cover up rust that would likely become a hole(s) sooner
> than the new grommets etc. would need to be replaced (next tank
> reseal)
> 
> The tank wall isn't that thick to start with.
> 
> http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/446713.jpg
> 
> Just my shade tree .02.     :)
> 
> Neil.
> 
>