Auto body repair & detailing: Rust and paint removal, sandblasting companies, princess auto

Question
I have a bunch of cast weight plates that I purchased used. Because of that they are many different colours and some are very rusty. Is there a chemical that I could dip them in or soak them in that would remove the rust and paint without damaging the metal. I've heard of many different things....coke, muriatic acid, I've never tried any of them. Ideally I'd sand blast them and pain them but haven't been able to locate a sand blaster. Can you suggest something for my situation? I have close to 2000lbs of plates so the easier it is the better. Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Ian!....I would honestly recommend sand blasting, and would do it this way if I were to do this project myself. I am not a fan of chemicals to remove rust, as I have seen less than stellar results in the past. As far a sand blasting goes, there are options. If you live in a larger city as I do, such as Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Lethbridge, or Medicine Hat, there are sandblasting companies in each. Another option, if you would like to do this yourself, is Princess Auto. Princess Auto has stores in each except for Medicine Hat. If you are not close to a Princess Auto, you can go on-line, or call the closest one, and order a sandblaster. According to their catalogue, they can ship directly. They also have a National Call Center, which is located in Winnipeg. The phone number is: 1-800-665-8685. They have sandblasters available. The one I would recommend is part number 8003841 @ $249.99 Hope my opinion helps you out. If you have any other questions, please feel free to drop me another line...Nice to hear from a fellow Albertan...Thanks....Dave