Here is a video I did a while back about removing rust from my Thunderbird's wire wheels. The car spend one unfortunate winter outdoors many years ago. This was very hard on its formally pristine chrome wire wheels. Disassembling the wheels to have them professionally cleaned and rechromed would cost about $2000. New ones would cost about $1500. I still needed a cheaper alternative, even as a temporary measure. This video shows my $30 temporary solution:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiDv6Rm1VEs
The rust that was more then simply surface rust remains. But at least it is no longer visible from more then a few feet. Someday I may replace the wheels, but for now the money will go toward other T-bird upgrades.
