Bit late to the party on this, but I treated the tank on my '71 Midget a 
few years ago. Didn't even think about there being a filter until I was 
done and kinda looking it over. But no problems - apparently the acid 
etch step ate away the screen! There was the "frame" to hold it, but no 
mesh.
Eddie
Robert E. Shlafer wrote:
> Sure...removing the screen before coating will certainly do the trick (and 
>you're gonna install a filter between tank and
> pump anyway)....or......
> 
> "do" the internal coating and BEFORE it sets
> up, blast a little low pressure air through the tank's fuel line from outside 
>to
> inside...this should clean out the screen.
 
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