Here is yet another misconception. The Terne finish that was the protective coating was a non-durable coating that deteriorates over the years. THAT in a nutshell is why many tanks have rust inside. Over time and after the Terne coating has rubbed off and it exposes the bare metal underneath. Fuel has oxygenizers in it, plus areas exposed to oxygen will flash rush in the matter of hours. As the fuel splashes by when the vehicle is driven, it dislodges the rust particles and puts them in suspension of the fuel. When the rust is removed from the bare metal, the rusting process cycles all over again. Unless the oxygen is sealed from the metal, it will continue to rust creating more debris in the gas tank.
.