Hi buddy! IMHO gogmorgo has already offered very good suggestions. Quite obviously, moisture is the enemy of bare metal. Ergo, prevent moisture contamination. The period of storage time and environment will dictate the best option for protection. Coating with WD40 (Water dispersant) is relatively inexpensive and adequate for short intervals. For longer periods of time and/or harsher environments, oil creates a thicker barrier for a bit more cost. For longer periods of storage, an industrial product, cosmoline is much thicker and dries to a tacky finish. It can be purchased in aerosol form. It can be cleaned off when ready for installation. I'm sure you'll get other great options as well.