The most popular recommendation for cleaning and waxing appears to be the Meguiars series #7, #26, and #34. I have an '81 with the original paint, which is in relatively good shape but is somewhat oxidized (but, I don't see any swirling). Is there another product (by Meguiars?) that I should start with before applying the #7 to remedy the oxidation/fading?

You can try some #9 first, it is still rather mild but slightly more aggressive than #7. Once you have give it a once over with #9 (a orbital will help with the #9 but not really with the #7) just keep using #7 until the you stop getting black oxidation on the removal rag. Once you can do a whole panel without getting any black-ish residue on the rag you should be ready to wax that panel. When your removing mostly polish (vs oxidation) the residue will be dark green/brow (similar to the color of the polish) Your eyes and fingers will tell you something here too. Get something with detail in a reflection then move your perspective so you can compare reflectivity along the surface.

When your done polishing, #26 or "Gold Class" liquid will do nicely. It should apply and remove much easier than the polish and give the finish an ultra slippery feel. Test: bear down with a terry on a panel freshly polished with #7...it will squeak. do the same thing on a panel that has been polished and waxed and you should get no squeak, only silken feel.

Hope this helps...if the above does not do the trick just message me and I'll be happy to discuss further options.

Best of Luck...Lee

Thanks very much for the "detailed" advice.