[urq] Wax coating

[KAMMLER1 at aol.com]

Yes, the exterior coating is called "cosmoline". Yes, it was used to  protect 
the exterior finish from corrosion and damage. I removed it from many,  many 
Hondas at the dealership where I worked. A degreaser chemical was used to  
remove it, and after 30 or 40 cars the fumes would promote a feeling of  well 
being and calm in the worker............. Japanese built cars like CRX's  had a 
thicker coating than US-built models.
 
The clean-air act in the US passed in the mid-'90's brought about the end  of 
manufacturers using cosmoline on new cars. A thin, white adhesive  plastic 
sheeting over the upper painted surfaces of the vehicle is now used. It  just 
peels off. Next time you see a transporter truck with new cars on the  freeway, 
you might see the sheeting on them.
 
As mentioned, a wax-type rust preventative is injected into body cavities  at 
the factory, and sometimes also re-done at the dealership level as part of  
rust prevention packages. 
 
I always thought that American Motors vehicles like the Eagle and Wrangler  
jeep were the first to be fully galvanised in the early '80's  (?)