Wire brush and painting sounds like a good idea. If in bad shape I'd replace to be on the safe side but some scofflaws have refilled their tank by using a typical 20lb/bbq tank (turned upside down so the liquid flows). Lots of adapters on amazon or make your own. Connect and then open both valves. If the tank is not filling you may need to loosen the vent screw on the tank that is being filled for a second or two. Finish by closing both valves (bbq side first) and then disconnecting the tanks. If you're not sure / uncomfortable working with propane take the tank to be refilled. There are options to trade-in / re-validate tanks but your local sources may vary.