Did OEMs wet sand and buff paint?

Today's paint systems are very different from the Acrylic enamel Chrysler used back then. Those old paints had lead and other heavy metals that gave them durability. As to the quality of the paint jobs, orange peel and some runs and drips on the rocker panels were common.

I've shot the old PPG acrylic enamel and gotten really nice gloss right out of the gun. I've also shot the old PPG acrylic lacquer and with a really good thinner there was no need to buff it. Those days are gone forever. Even if you can find these older paints the EPA made them take out all the good stuff that made them work. Single stage urethanes are as close as you can come today to get the same look as the older factory paint jobs. Today's base coat/clear coat systems are really meant for fast production and repair.