I did a combo of wire wheel and sandblasting.
Looking back I should have just scraped off all of the heavy grease and dirt and then sandblasted. It is darn messy though.

If you do not want to spend the money on your own sandblaster a wire wheel and a cheap drill will do.

Don't you know who I think I am?
I've been thinkin' about freaking out. If I could just find the time.
http://community.webshots.com/user/ifrizlfri