So, I take the bra off my van to unveil a consistent spread of rust across
its entire front end.  I was able to find a great deal of chatter about
sandblasting in the archives, but thought there may be an alternative means
to taking this off.  If possible, I would like to conduct as many of the
repairs on this car as possible myself and I don't have the space nor skill
to sandblast the car (I've gotten the impression it is very easy to warp the
sheet metal).  A post on AutoBodyStore.com suggest an 8" buffer with 80 grit
paper and a day's worth of elbow grease.  Obviously, I want to take care of
this problem as thoroughly as possible--no sense messing around with
rust--so if it would be safer to simply have this sandblasted
professionally, I won't hesitate to go that route.  Any suggestions or
advice on how to proceed?  Thanks so much for you help in advance!!!

P.s. = obviously, a coat of primer and paint for future protection from this
very problem is to follow.  Again, though eager to use this car as a
learning device and familiarize myself with the work inevitably associated
with owning a vehicle of this type, I am an extremely green "mechanic" and
would appreciate any tips or pointers to be aware of during this process, as
well.

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Standing here, I see a shadow on the sun.