Off with the Old, On with the New...
Show truck or no if your going to spend the time to strip it and want to preserve the metal cover it in epoxy primer then what ever your heart desires to cover Rustoleum to PPG.
Hot pressure washer and a wax and grease remover first to get any oils, wax and grease off so you don't grind them into the metal if you want.
A grinder or the DA on circular mode strips better and I just read some saying cutting the 4 1/2" or 6" disk into hexagon they strip better. If it's only one coat of paint the 80 will do but if it's multi layers you might go even courser.
get it down to the primer layer and switch to the 180 so finish. Clean and go. Epoxy likes 180 grit and can be mixed in batchs and rolled so you can cover back up as you go AND your water proof. Scuff it down the road when it time to finish up. Take your time and get each section done and you'll feel good as you move along.
That way your still not doing 'real' painting but your getting real paint results.
The rust will be a bridge to cross but you can get your blisters started on the good stuff and with a panel or two under your belt you'll be better prepared to decide what you'll do.
It's a lot of work which is why rattle cans were made but what do you want to drive one around?
