Gas Tank lock problem (help needed)

long story short.
have a parts bike I am taking parts from. I need to get the lock assembly off the tank, so I can put it on my bike.
(VFR700F2 87 model)

there is gas in the parts bike tank. i can drain the gas, but if I do, could I simply drill out the old lock assembly? its damaged, so a locksmith is out of the question.

 

Even with the gas drained, sparks from drilling could ignite the fumes and/or residual gas. To be safe, drain the tank and refill with water before any drilling or grinding. After the cap is off, use rubbing alcohol to remove residual water and spray WD40 or Deep Creep into the tank to prevent corrosion.

 

thanks for the advice. I got impatient, and took it to a locksmith and had it removed for $15.00...