This is very good post... thanks for taking the time to capture the repait with detailed pictures.
I mighty be able to help with one of the simplier problems... rust!
Ijanet and I have spent a lot of time on The Gulf of Mexico Beaches over the last few year.
My jacks (Atwood) have a fine red rust hear and there all over them...
I was in my local Home Depot to get some stain for a home project... Ed, the paint department expert asked if there'd be anything elso.
I told him about the rust... asked if he had any ideas.
He suggested CLR,
CLR
a product called Calcium, Lime, Rust It was less than $6.00... I thought what the heck... I'll try it.
When I got home I used a scotch brite pad and the CLR on my jacks... hoping to get enough of the rust off to paint them...
Within a few minutes they were as clean and brilliant white as they were when I bought the camper new.
I will still paint the jacks with a thick, RustOleum paint... using a very small roller (that costs about $3.00 and comes with a roller pan.
Thanks again
Sleepy