mine are far past polishing, the tops come out ok but the bottom just has too much delamination/ section loss. I have tried a few times but it is crumbling the tips.
Just ordered the sleeves. Do they ever need polishing?
Put up a photo there!
If you think they're past saving and you're not worried about damage then I recommend getting a drill, throw in a hard wire brush attachment into the chuck and brush the sh*te out of them. Use a chrome/metal polish during the entire process. It will bring them back I almost guarantee it but the rusted bits will come off and it won't look 100%.
You would then need to protect it with something. Possible VHT primer and chrome coat.
If all that fails then you can cover them up like you originally planned.