I'm terrible at taking pictures, so bear with me.
Several years ago, I found out about using electrolysis for rust removal. Basically, you use your rusty part for "donor" material and "plate" a clean (scrap) piece of metal with rust. I first did this on an iron table saw top and was amazed. On our current project, I've used it for caliper adapters, a 742 housing, spindles, and my rear axle pieces.
Like I said, I'm terrible about pics. Here is the axle housing going into the bath. The rear dome was the only part that wasn't complete rust.
Here is the after from soaking overnight:
I still had to scrub the crap off of it with a Scotch-Brite path, but no more effort than you would spend on a dirty dish.
This will also remove grease and paint. As the iron starts to move, anything that is on the surface is cast off.
Here's the kicker...100% safe, cheap and extremely effective. Everybody raise their hand. Lower your hand if you don't have a battery charger. Lower your hand if you don't have have some scrap steel. Lower your hand if you can't get Washing Soda at the store (Walmart carries it. Laundry aisle). Lower your hand if you don't have water.
If your hand is still raised, you're in business. Directions are here:
http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp
