Welcome to the rust belt! I'm in Fairfax county too, and my 198k mile old Trooper has almost no rust. A little bit of surface rust on the frame is all that I have (which is treated and could be smoothed out completely). I've only owned it for the last ~40k miles, but we've been driving in the salt-treated snow here for many years and as long as you wash it afterwards you'll be fine. One key is to treat any nicks in the paint with touch-up before the salt gets to the bare metal.

There are many car wash places open in the winter, just pick one that doesn't recirculate the water which will just soak the rest of the car with salt. Also give the truck a good wax in late fall. Some of the Rover guys spray their undercarriages with an oil mist. Something like WD40 - although some go overboard and spray used motor oil on. I can't imagine that dripping used motor oil all over the county is that environmentally friendly though.

Good luck with the job, and let the rest of us know if you are interested in taking part in a wrenching day or two.

-Tad