I'd like to pile on with my rust questions/project....

My plan is to use white vinegar to dissolve the rust, and use a mild abrasive to scrub clean (scotch brite), then apply a clear coat to protect the bare steel. I have no interest in stripping the entire bike since it's a couple small, hidden spots of rust.

I have some concern about the bike's overall integrity, since this bike looks great, but I know that the guy that gave me this bike stored in a pool pump shed for some time. Pool chemicals are not good for steel. Thoughts/personal experience with pool chemicals and steel frame bikes?

Question: If you have used white vinegar, is there any risk to paint or components (since I need to work around the bottom bracket)?

I got some pictures last night - The bike (and my seriously messy basement):



Rust on the bottom bracket:



Rust on the bottom of the top tube, likely damaged by the pump rattling and chipping the paint: