I've searched rust to death, need experienced opinion

[tmoble]

I use the phospho stuff from Home Depot, comes in a gallon can. It's called prep and etch or vice versa. It doesn't do anything much to clean bare steel. As mentioned, this is the active ingredient is about every rust killer product. Read the label, get a box of the heavy 9 mil rubber gloves. wear goggles, this stuff is no fun to get in your eyes. Don't ask how I know this. Once it converts the iron oxide to iron phosphate it permanently stops growing. surface rust will wipe off with this stuff, it's like magic.