Generally speaking, a good dish soap--one cup to five gallons of warm water is good for washing the surface of your car. Now, there are several issues that you might be dealing with if your paint is original. Pits that have rusted, objects like dead bugs that are on the surface, flaws in the paint, discoloration on the bright work, tar from the road, ect. All of these bring different cleaners that would be good for use. A trip to the local auto parts discount store will give you a number of products that will work. You will find that some you like others will not like--be that as it may, you need to check out your favorites. The paint on your car would be a laquer paint and has a good surface and is rather thick if there has been no damage. A clay bar or mild buffing compound can be used to bring up a bright shine. With old paint I like to do this by hand. A buffer will burn the surface of the paint in a flash whereas using your elbow grease will only make you sore in the morning. Once you are happy with the cleaning process a good brand of wax, such as Mothers or Turtle was will work to hold the shine. Keep in mind that with the old paint you will need to wax the car about every four weeks as the surface will go dull with the sun. That should give you a starting place.

I would assume that info would be in an original owners manual too,
Roger

Roger,

You are correct the very last page in my owners manual has one paragraph about caring for the finish. It refers to the original Hudson polishes and waxes. I was thinking that maybe there was a more modern version that would include more information on the technology or advancements made in paint care.

It may not exist or the technology has not changed. Wash carefully, polish and then wax for a more durable and long lasting shine.

Thanks for taking time to comment,

Marvin

I've never realy paid attention to what was recomended there. Was thinking it would be les brand specific like mild soap and no oil based products or something like that. Was worth a try I guess,
Roger

Thanks Roger and Brownie,

I will wash the car with a mild washing solution, use a compound material, a clay bar, polish and wax.

Appreciate your input.

Marvin

Be careful with the buffing compound and make sure it is not the coarse version or you will be down to the primer in a heart beat, even doing it by hand.

Kerry,

Thanks I will be very careful with the compound. I've never compounded a car before so I was unaware that I could go through the paint into the primer easily.

I will approach this with caution and go slowly.

Really appreciate the help and guidance.

Marvin