Way back when I was into working on old autos, I had a lot of experience with removing rust from various parts of all shapes and sizes. A wire brush chucked into a drill or grinder is very effective especially on large items, but its not easy on the part being cleaned. I've tried several chemical methods, from soaking in muriatic acid (very effective, but don't leave it too long or the entire part will be dissolved! also difficult with large parts) to a product called "Exrust" (from http://www.kanolabs.com/) that worked just as well as muriatic acid without as many health risks. There were some rust "converters" that worked well if you intended to paint the component.

I never had much luck with WD40 or vinegar - it is also possible I was too impatient...

: One great tip I have learned from cleaning up is to soak rusty tools in white
: vinegar over night, wash them in soapy water then hit them with some
: wd-40. Works great!!

: Later.. Tony