TOPIC:

WOW! As a Desert Storm vet....I can attest to galaxians "Sand gets in the STRANGEST places" comment!
But seriously folks....I thought about blasting, but used father-in-law-to-be's "rubber" wire brush. Just like regular but with stiff rubber bristles. Got the old paint off REALLY well, then polished up the rim outters and spokes. Looks good to me and was pretty easily accomplished. Just a thought.