I recommend using a random orbital buffer with Meguiars #105 and #205 buffing compound. It will remove the dead paint and you can make the paint as shiny as you desire.
Have the deepest respect for the gretest generation. My entire family served, my father in law was a carrier Hellcat pilot in the south Pacific. Was shot down twice but made it home.
Hotrod..............Mine was actually for the rear quarter window but I think they are the same L piece. Careful with glass as I broke mine putting the glass back into the frame! AAArgh!!
My avatar had the same part issue. I was able to get one from Shoebox Central-405 259 9222. From the ilustration it appears to be identical. Good luck!
I was told that where the front of the driveshaft slides into the transmission is a sleeve (bushing) that may be worn enough to allow a vibration to happen. Good luck.