Ok, after my steep learning curve on all this stuff I will give my opinion. (And mine don't smell)
I would spend just a little time wire brushing, then use some paint prep that will also remove most of the surface rust and then brush on two coats of black Zero Rust.
Actually, it says Zero Rust works better over a slight layer of rust than over bare metal.
Total cost of job: $15 worth of wire brushes, $10 for throw away paint brushes and $52 for a gallon of Zero Rust.
