Washing/Drying:
For this, you want a proper wash mit and drying towel. For a washmit, I recommend the Schmitt. It is a soft foam with a scrubber for lower areas. It can be machine washed, and Justin can personally tell you of its excellence!
http://autogeek.net/shmitt.html
And for drying look at the Cobra Guzzler! By far, the best drying towel I have set eyes on. It is 28" x 54" and will dry your beautiful corvette streak free everytime. I suggest grabing one while its on sale!
http://autogeek.net/waffle-weave-drying-towel.html
Claying:
Before polishing or waxing you should clay your car. Claying takes off contaminates bonded to your paint, and gives the paint a smooth feel, and brightes it up. Information on claying: http://www.autogeek.net/clbaandlu.html . My recommendation on what clay kit to use: http://www.autogeek.net/pipoclbu.html
Polishes:
My favorite polishes are the Pinnacle XMT compounds. They have the power to seriously slice off defects and are formulated just for dual action machines like the porter cable. Their abrasives are unique and the results show! Coupled with very little dusting, and a great smell they are hard to beat.
I recommend you pick up the XMT set on
http://autogeek.net/xmt.html also watch the video. It gives a great demonstration of the XMT products. The polishing pad coditioner is a great item! Definately look into it!
Pads:
EDGE 2k. Nuff Said. These pads are double sided and sturdy, and no backing plates required. The set of the Edge 2k pads in an unbelieveable bargain to me. You get 2 of each grade of pad, buffing bonnets, some XMT Pad Care items, the adapter for the edge pads, and two microfiber towels. Highly recommended.
http://autogeek.net/foam-polishing-kit.html
Waxes/Sealants:
Now you can go two ways with this, but out of my experience with my dads f250 superdity full cab 4 door, bed covered monster of a truck, I would look into a good sealant.
Here I will recommend Duragloss sealants not only because of the superb look and ease of application, but they last a LONG time, and can be freshened up with aquawax, a wax you apply while your car is still wet and wipe off.
Duragloss Products in order of Application:
Duragloss Bonding Agent
http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-polish-bonding-agent.html
Duragloss 105 Total Performance Polish
http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html
Duragloss Aquawax
http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-aquawax--951.html
Apply the bonding agent and let it dry to a haze. Then apply the 105 on top of the haze. Allow it to sit for about 25 min then buff both off together.Then apply the aquawax mist it on and then wipe it off.