I feel a bit bad as the state of them and the need to get a bit "medieval " on them to start with, is not normal for restoring most parts. I hope the idea that you have to attack parts as i did has not put anybody off!
The point was really that even if they are truly horrid, salvation is at hand.
In most cases a selection of wet and dry paper and some autosol style metal polish in a tube will get you good results. Use the paper wet, soak it first for 10mins and change the water regularly. Work you way through the grades.
First few grades 240 /400 should take out the worst and then 400, 600, 1200. That's what did here.
Sinnerman is completely correct that a polishing kit is far easier once past the 400 stage and you have got out and physical damage. They are reasonably cheap on ebay, say £20 and can go in an electric drill, shoved in a workmate if needs be!
But this is the budget way (£10), with not much risk to fingers, eyes and hair from rotating discs and flying bits of metal. If your going to polish by machine.....watch and read a few safely tips first is my advise.
But do have a go, its very satisfying when you turn rot into gold.
Modern day alchemy!