[gmaxum]

Purchased all the garnish (cladding )holders today and a bunch of clips - $100. Before I install those new holders I will coat them with :

"LPS 3 heavy-duty rust inhibitor protects by leaving a soft, self-healing, waxy film that resists moisture. Protects up to two years, stops rust and corrosion, provides anti-seize coating, provides non-sling lubrication, 312 grams."

This is the neatest stuff. Spray on wax. Another good rust coating is anti-seize lubricant (Nickle -Coat, Copper-Coat) slathered all over what you are trying to protect. I always make a habit to reassemble anything I've taken apart with anti-seize too.
Another great product from LPS is silicon spray - I douse all rubber parts with it.

I feel really good about getting under all the side cladding and doing some cleaning - it has bothered me from the first day I bought the car and wondering what was underneath it.