Rust removal question

[rick clifford]

Bought a Hampton i300 that was installed as a slammer and hence water dripped down the chimney and there is some rust and pitting on the top exterior box. There is a bit of rust all over the box but the top is the worst. Its taking some time to wire wheel it all off but I am getting there. My question is does all the rust need to be removed as it is hard to remove the discolored areas in the bottom of the pitted areas and once I am done what do I use to clean and or seal the unit and then I know I will paint will VHT. Its been 10 years in coming and I want to do the best thing to preserve this thing. Thanks

 

[TheRambler]

If your unable to remove it all then just do as best you can and then use a high temp rust preventative/neutralizer then on top of that your high temp stove paint.