Good advice guys!
Ok Fets, I've tried all the stuff you can buy at auto parts, and now use alot of the poorboys stuff, and others.
First off - how much swirl are you talking about here?
Blue clay magic clay is MUCH MUCH better than Meguires, I've used both, side by side.
Polish - you can do by hand, but will save much time and get better results from a buffer.
If your going to go serious, get an orbital. If you can't afford a PC, get a cheepie from pep boys or something, and some pads and it will last you a while.
I burned one up before getting my PC - which is AWSOME.
Different polishes are good, but a lot of it is in the application.
I'd highly recommend the PB, ultra fine polish, it is awsome on anything (paint, wheels, glass, chrome) as a final buff and prep before wax.
once you get there, the wax just get's wiped on, and wiped off. All the time before then makes the difference.
Here's what I'd do, since your car is hammered, and probably oxidized a bit with tar and road crap on the paint.
Soap with some degreaser, and wash the car.
then go over it with degreaser and a rag to get off Tar.
then clay bar it -
your paint will be squeaky clean.
Time to polish, now this depends on how bad the scratches are.
it may need a medium then fine... havn't seen it so I dunno.
polish it out in stages, then wax it.
Nattys is a great wax, easy to apply and remove and it shines great.
I've heard good about the p21 but havn't used it.
Klasse is also a great sealer, I put some on my wheels last night!
3M prefect it is good as well.
Ya know Fets, if your starting fresh here, I'd recommend getting the PB's stuff and applicators from Justang.
He has a sale going on, too!
Here's what I'd recommend: PM justang for pricing on this stuff:
Poorboys Wash (is awsome! I love this stuff)
Poorboys claybar (or blue magic - but you'll have to get somewhere else)
1 waffle microfiber towell for drying
at least 3 regular micros for wiping off polish and wax, windows, wheels etc.
applicators
Optimum Polish, for medium swirl marks, or whatever polish you want.
PB ultra fine polish (blue)
Nattys wax (blue)
he also has degreaser, tar remover and glass cleaner.
then if your getting a buffer, cheapie from auto store, or a PC - and the pads to go with it.
Hope this helps, your car will love you and you'll love how it looks when your done.