Trying to avoid that at all costs if possible. That's why if there's anything I can do now that can slow down or prevent further rusting, I'd like to do it asap.

 

Remove the rust that's there now and recoat it with something to seal out moisture.

 

.....

 

.....

 

Thats not good. I think you best start boning up on how to do it. I believe its possible without removing the head. Search for info. When I had to replace my cyl head
I was in the same boat. Necessity is the mother of invention. I just looked my info up and saved pics of other members projects.
Good luck.