No amount of washing, buffing, or waxing will take off some heavy oxidization from my 20 year old paint job. I really don't want to throw down the cash to have this car re-painted. Any ideas on what I can to do spiffy up my paint job without making the inside of my wallet spiffy clean as well?

 

Look for an Orange bottle with a white cap called "Nufinish" at Walmart or at a parts store or where ever you buy car cleaning supplies.. This stuff essentially erases the heaviest of oxidation. I used to work at a car dealer and that's what the body shop guys would use for the worst. There are other products out there but this is the cheapest an gives exellent results.I have used it thousands of times. Works GREAT! Apply it with a detailing sponge, wait 5 minutes and wipe off. Make sure you apply it in the shade. If you have an orbital buffer, even better! If you end up using this stuff, then you can also use "Liquid Glass" afterwards. This stuff essentially seals your paint for a maintenance free exerience. Also use terry cloth towels to remove any wax. Sometimes if you use any other maretial it just might scratch your paint! Good luck!

 

You can also use a claybar. That worked great for me.

 

I would clay the vehicle first then use something like the Nufinish or other similar products to remove oxidation. You will probably remove some of the paint too, but that is going to happen with any finish that has started to oxidize. After that, put a good polish on it and buff the finish. You will make it look better but you wont be able to bring it back to showroom condition.

 

My dad got the ZAINO's kit, and WOW. That is some of the best waxI have ever seen.
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc