Hi, I'm a real newbie, so I thought I'd ask you all for advice!
My husband and I are going to start restoring a 78 elky and it has some rust. I know it will take us quite some time to get it running great, but I'm afraid of further rust damage (this will be in and out of our one car garage, so unfortunately not always in perfect conditions.)

Should we go ahead and get it cleaned up, rust removed, primed, etc, and then start on the engine? Or do you think one more year won't really matter in the grand scheme?
Thanks for any ideas/advice!

Getting the rust spots fixed as soon as possible is the best way to start in my opinion

I agree that fixing rust as soon as you can is great.
But another year should not make a major difference.
As long as it is kept as dry as possible and NO salt on it in any way, work on your engine in primer.

I am getting mine back in a week or so from new paint.
Now I have to be EXTRA careful when changing out my engine and other items, so as not to damage my new paint.

Can we ever win?

I would do the body work first then use a primer sealer on it. This will keep moisture from getting through regular primer and starting the rust cycle over again.
Welcome to the Forum.