225 with the head left off for a year... can it be saved?!

"Light" cylinder rust is kind of subjective- if it's just a surface "flash rust" it may be okay. Does it wipe clean with a liberal dousing of PB Blaster or the like? If so, slants are pretty forgiving. Let the cylinders soak in case the rings tightened up, then give 'er! Just depends what you want to end up with. Pics would be nice...