'53 Buick body panel preparation?

[Guest Ian Norgrove]

Hi,

New guy to the forum. I am building a street rod based on the 1953 Buick and i'm ready to prepare the outer body panels for paint. There are no dents or body work at all required. The panels have the usual light surface rust on the outer surfaces that has replaced almost all the paint, and the inner surfaces are almost pristine. I have read a few forums where there are conflicting views on how to strip these panels. This is my question: What is the best method to prepare for base epoxy primer without damaging these panels? They are perfectly straight, so i don't want anything to warp, buckle or pepper the surface beyond what a normal filler/primer can handle. I am interested in all ideas, though I have been warned against aggressive sand blasting.

Thanks

Ian