Sending unit / Fuel pickup filter - Removing rust

Hey all, I have a m38a1 gas tank that was rusted pretty bad. Ended up replacing the tank with a new repro..

The sending unit and fuel pickup both had some lighter rust and white stuff (calcium i guess?) on them.

Looking for some info on removing the rust and white stuff, and what I should do to keep it from coming back in the tank. I have some ZEP rust remover I was thinking of soaking it in, but was unsure if it would harm the sending unit.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Clr rust remover.....check out the sending unit and make sure its good & works before spending the time cleaning it up