The past couple of Wisconsin Winters of salt and snow have done a number on my steel bumpers, ESP in unique spots like the tail light cut outs.



Any tips for the best way to go about this? I'd like to remove the rust, then respray with bed liner.

In the past I've used a wire wheel drill attachment. I also came across this link from Vandev
For great rust removal Safest Rust Remover
but it has to be 70 degrees out for it to be effective, and it won't be that warm in Wisconsin for a long time!

Any tips on how to go about this would be appreciated! What's worked best for you?

 

I've done rust on about a million cars and the best way I would say is to remove sand/bead blast it.. then you can see exactly what you have got left.
Here in Denmark I use a product called FERTAN on the bare metal which you can just brush on or spray. It creates an almost calvanized finish and can be painted directly over.. I've used it on several vintage cars while being restored (sprayed on the whole car) and it has been good every time.
Good luck

 

Sand Blasting, you say?
I love the idea of being able to sand blast, but I do not have an air compressor. I have been considering getting a compressor set-up off and on for a couple of years now. Just from a little research, it looks like I need to spend $800 and up for anything capable of running a blaster or other tools in a reasonable manner. I am not sure I am going to be able to justify a purchase of that size right now, as we have our first baby on the way.

Any other suggestions?

 

A hobby compressor would also work. the difference woud be that a hobby one will run out of pressure much quicker, so you would have to wait for pressure to built up a few times. a cheap sand blasting gun would be enough to get the job done..
Alternatively a local sand blasting company should be able to do the whole bumper in no time. If blasting isn't a viable option then a decent wire wheel on an angle grinder is the probably the next best thing. hope that helps

 

Many thanks, Scotauto. I'll put in a few calls around the area and see what a local shop may charge for blasting.