Tools I used to clean the frame, front end, rear axle, etc:
Hand drill.
Various sizes of wire wheels.
3M cleaning/sanding wheels (black) for cleaning down to the bare metal. I don't know what material they use, but it works great. I've worn out about 15 of them!
Various sizes of hand wire brushes.
Compressed air.
Putty knives.
4 1/2" Flap wheels.
I think your biggest challenge will be cleaning the frame while the body is attached. Some of those spots are very hard to reach.
I have to admit that the project of cleaning the frame got old quick. I estimate that I spent 200 hours on this alone. In order to avoid depression, I would do a small section at a time, then paint it. Some days I only did 2 or 3 feet. The finished sections provided motivation to see it through.
If I had it to do again with the bare frame, I would take it somewhere and get it sandblasted.
