I just started buffing a '65 with original paint.
There's a bunch of areas that have some cracking, checking, bubbling, surface rust...
But overall I kinda like the look.

Does anyone have any good products to get the oxidation off and then possibly smooth some of the areas down?
And then what should I put over it to keep a little shine?
(so far I've just used Meguiars ultimate compound on a rough rotary pad because it's what I had laying around)

 

That looks great! I couldn't recommend any particular product. I plan on doing the same on my '72 Vista Cruiser this spring, bought some Meguiar's 110 Ultra Pro Speed compound to use with my old buffer (the kind that use fleece bonnets). Seeing your results encourages me as the Vista has old paint on it too.

 

I'd use a rubbing compound after using a clay bar on the paint. All the different manufacturers have a different way of classifying their products, but you want something that is aggressive. Here's a Turtle Wax compound you should be able to get at your local auto parts store.

https://www.turtlewax.com/products/r...eaner-105fl-oz

Follow up with a high quality wax and you'll be good.

 

Well, it looks like you have several different paint surfaces on several different panels going on there. The front clip looks most recent and will probably buff out okay using any premium compound and finishing with wax. but a warning: you'll just succeed in making the checked/crazed areas shinier. The only cure for those "herpes lesions" (deck lid?) is to sand and repaint -- that's the result of moisture or contamination in the line from a previous respray..

If you're going for a rat-rod look I'd just leave it; it's perfect ... but if you want a smooth, uniform surface, I'm afraid the only answer is a "complete" (as the boys in the shop call it).

 

The panels look different because I already started to buff it.
it all looked dull red when I started.
Pretty sure this is all original paint…haven’t found any sections that look better or worse.

it all started like this…