Sewing machine bottom

I have an old treadle sewing machine bottom that I love because it's so ornate. I got it at an auction and it was treated badly over the years so the wooden part was not restorable. The black paint is flaking off and I want to stop that plus stop the rust. Does anyone have experience with using rustoleum to do this? I dn't want to lose the fabulous details.

I also want to put a top on and use as a side table, any ideas for the top? It would have to be secured somehow because I think it might be a little top heavy. Oh yes, the bottom has metal wheels too, that's why I'm afraid of it tipping over but I just can't let it sit in a corner and rust!

Thanks for any and all advice!
terri