Predicta; refinishing CRT side metal pieces?

[Steve]

Now that I have this thing working (21" pedistal version) I need to do some
cosmetic work. The metal tubes that go from the base of the CRT
to the sides are in bad shape. These are steel tubes with a brass
finish. I'd like to hear what others have done to refinish these. I'm
tempted to sand off what remains of the finish (and rust...) and
just paint them. TIA
Steve