I am helping a friend revive a 1970 240Z that had been sitting in a barn for 22 years.  It is a bit of a mess, but we got it started without much drama using gas from a gas can.  The problem is a blockage in the hard line coming out of the gas tank.  We drained about 2 gallons of amber colored and very stinky gas out of the tank, but the hard line in the tank is blocked.  We have tried using a flexible wire to clear it as well as compressed air without luck. 

 

Is this a common problem with cars that have been sitting for a long time?  The blockage appears to be maybe a mix of rust and hardened varnish, although it is hard to tell. 

 

Thanks!

Cut your loses and replace the line. It will never be right if it has an significant rust in it.

you could try one of those wires that's used to clean out evaporative (swamp)cooler water lines. Not sure of the diameter.

What patcon said. Just replace the hard line. You'll be glad you did. Even if you were able to get the existing line opened enough I'd be afraid I didn't get all the gunk out and now you have all sorts of other problems.

I am helping a friend revive a 1970 240Z that had been sitting in a barn for 22 years. 

 

Is this a common problem with cars that have been sitting for a long time?  The blockage appears to be maybe a mix of rust and hardened varnish, although it is hard to tell. 

 

Common to any old fuel tank.  Small amounts of moisture will find their way in even with good sealing.  The light volatile portion of the fuel finds its way out.  You're left with goo and rust.  You'll probably have to drop the tank to get it fixed right.  Lots of people try to get it done on the car but they usually have recurring fuel supply problems.