Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Search is your friend. There are endless threads on rust and how to get rid of it. Be sure to check the box: Sort by Relevance.
That being said, steel rim wheels are about worthless if you want to do any serious riding with the bike. But it would be fine as a neighborhood/recreational ride.
Steel wool, along with any abrasive, does not know the difference between rust and chrome. It removes both.