Any tips for surface prep?

[76JimmyBlue]

I have some surface rust on my '76 K25 that I want to patch the paint in and am looking for some metal prep tips. I don't have access to a blaster of any kind. Do you recommend wire wheels, flap discs or something else? I've heard wire wheels just end up polishing the rust. How do you recommend cleaning one the rust is ground away? I'd think using compressed air would work pretty well but alas, I don't have a compressor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.