Parker 51 Vacumatic Restoration

[penmainiac]

Hello! It’s been awhile since I have posted, but I recently acquired a nice Parker 51 Dove Grey Vacumatic from 1946, and have some questions about it.
1.I have cleaned and soaked the pen, and I was wondering if instead of Talcum Powder I could use Corn starch?
2. Secondly, the Sterling Silver cap that came with the pen is worser for the wear, and I was wondering if there was anyway to restore it a bit (without sending it I know I probably should, but it is kind of pricey)The cap has multiple somewhat deep grooves, dings, dents and cuts.
3.Thirdly, the body of the pen has multiple light scratches, especially around the hood, and I was wondering if I could polish them out and do anything with the cap to prevent further scratches.
4.Lastly, do I need to Shellac the Filler or hood when I finish servicing it?
Sorry for the massive amount of questions!