Thanks to GW's idea I went and scored an old Carrillo SBC rod to use as a TIG torch holder (actually came out of a friends drag car) from a local engine builders junk pile out back, I used to hang out at this shop in the 70's when I was in high school which adds to the cool factor for me.
The rod wasn't exactly pretty when I picked it up, though it was a very uniform coating of heavy rust...........
After soaking in white distilled vinegar over night and brushing with a stiff bristled brush this is the results........
The rust literally fell off of it.