If Vapor Blasting is an option, don't bother with the wire wheels. And yes, those nasty dremel brass buggers shed like crazy and get into places you don't want them getting into.
For the rod bolts, go with the later year ones that can be torqued up to a higher value, added peace of mind. The part numbers are somewhere in both mine or Dave's build threads, I'll post it if I find them. Or you could just get a set from Mike Rieck, he usually has some in stock.