My 97SE has a bunch of chips and scratches that have appeared since I bought a year ago. I want to remove them myself and do it right.

Can these scratches be buffed out (see pics)? If so, care to post tips or a link to some good instructions?

(http://www.cadquest.com/images/temp/scratch1.jpg) 35K(http://www.cadquest.com/images/temp/scratch2.jpg) 16K
(http://www.cadquest.com/images/temp/scratch3.jpg) 13K

On the paint chip repair - can I use regular thinner to thin my touchup paint? - it's about as thick as mayonnaise and getting thin layers is impossible. The instructions I've read say it takes many layers that need a couple of hours to dry each, obviously not going to happen in a single day. Can I just use rubbing alcohol to prep before adding a new layer on the next day?

The touchup also dries noticeable lighter than the body color - is this something I should be concerned about or am I overly worried?

Hoping to restore some factory luster,

Dave