I dropped my fuel tank to do the re-seal procedure, and while the tank
seems like it IS in good condition, NO rust or flaking on the outside
nor inside, NOR does the tank appear to leak, other than the classic
drip when topped off.

I did hear something rattling around inside however. I ended up removing
what looks like a piece that might have been part of a baffling system
that came free ?  I'm not sure but it does NOT appear to be critical.

So my question to all you wonks, that have seen and replaced many a Fuel
Tank, given what I've said about the tank's condition: Is this loose
piece that came out good enough reason to replace the tank altogether ?

Here are a couple of pictures, of the tank and the piece that came out.:

http://medusa.education.ucsb.edu/~john/vanagon/
<http://medusa.education.ucsb.edu/%7Ejohn/vanagon/vanagon-fuel-tank.jpg>

Thanks for any advice.

-john