FWIW I've had pretty good results by coating the bare steel studs and nuts with phosphoric acid based Rust Cure:

http://www.rust-cure.com/

A coating does no perceptible etching as a dipping in acid would, but the Rust Cure bakes on and stays on for years and hundreds of heat cycles and the metal doesn't rust. And use the anti-seize.


If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.