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I use kerosene for the degreaser and then treat the rust.
Due to the size, I have a Mansfield saddle frame currently having a mild oxalic acid bath. It is pleasantly surprising how it is cleaning up.If they were my toe clips, I would do the clean and derust, then polish. Replating may see the engraving lessened.
Big_Block-
Ok, no harm in trying a polish first and see how I get on, decide on the replate after. I've been meaning to have a chat with an engraving place near me that can use lasers based on a photo. Not sure if they'll be interested, if it's prohibitively expensive, or even possible, but I have a fantasy that I can get them replated and the engraving freshened up afterwards based on a photo of the good one.
veloham
rust removal
Evaporust looks good, thanks for the tip. I've had good results with Restore Rust Remover as well https://www.shieldtechnology.co.uk/restore-rust-remover-500ml-i27.htm. It's the only remover I've used, so I might give Evaporust a go as well for a comparison. As Peter Underwood says on classic lightweights http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/hintsandtips.html a brass bristled brush is extremely useful, I usually use that after soaking unless I'm being particularly careful with chrome.
I've been using the Restore Pre Clean Degreaser as well, but haven't been that impressed by it. It also contains something that corrodes aluminium, sodium hydroxide or phosphoric acid or something. It does say on the instructions not to use on aluminium, I didn't realise the side plates of Lyotard m23 pedals were alloy until they started fizzing. Anyone got a tip for a good degreaser?
Not sure if anyone else was eyeing the Constrictor toe-clips on ebay, one nos and one rusty, but I kept thinking 'I wonder just how rusty that is'. Anyway both sellers gave me a bit of a discount, so I made a pair. I haven't done much yet except give it an initial soaking in rust remover and gentle clean. Planning on replating.