I would sandblast it with a cheap suction-from-a-bucket kit. I do that all the time. Outdoors. You will need a 80 gal or up compressor. I have a large cabinet blaster also. Parts like the old thick metal fender with curves and angular shapes do not warp with a home kit. Just move around the part as you go. The more crooked a part is, the stronger against warp it is. Flatter/larger pieces like doors and hoods and tops need more care. Go with wire wheel in the center of those pieces. Welding on things is more of a warp problem.
A wire wheel on a grinder is also very good. Chemicals are too risky for the paint job later. Never tried molasses. You can wire wheel 90% and blast the nooks.
Harbor sells the black slag type stiff. So does home depot. 3M breather and pull over hood is required.
You don't need to start farming things out. The fun is doing it and learning for the next 10 projects.
Restoration by proxy is expensive and not a hobby. Nothing needs farmed out except painting.

Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn