Someone posted this a while back on rust:
http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/rust/rust.html

I agree with Labratmatt's answers, though I have no idea for #3 either. An alternative to sandblasting is bead blasting (using glass beads) which is really what you should use for bicycle tubing. The painter should be able to do this.

I have a Bridgestone 450 set up as a gearie, and I find it to be a pleasurable ride.