If you want to reduce the thickness of body panels for drag racing purposes, & are prepared to live with a body service life of only a couple of years, then acid dip it. The acid that remains in the areas where you can't wash it out will continue with the weight reduction campaign untill it eats its way right through the seams etc.
There is a 'Redi Strip' process that will remove both paint & rust that involves full body imersion, but it does not use acid. I think it uses an alkali & a reverse electroplating method to dissolve the rust.

If you want to rip up the surface texture of the precious metal, then sand will definately do it for you.

Do you want to remove rust, or just the paint?

Have a talk with a reputable abrasive blaster & he will advise you on the best material to use, & there's lots of choices without including sand.

I needed a full paint strip on the thin body metal of my 1000 & this was achieved with lime blasting, & not a ripple in a panel to be found anywhere.
Seek professional advice before doing something you regret.