Light Switch and Wiring Observations and Questions

[Kevin in NJ]

I plan on ordering a wiring harness in the not to distant future. So I thought I would look close at the original parts I have since I do not intend to use a repro switch plate.

I am only dealing with 30-31 style parts.

In the first picture you will see 4 plates. On the back side you will see the bottom tab is square or has a T shape. I am guessing there is a manufacturer difference.

In the next 2 pictures you see 3 plates. These all have the T shaped tab. Notice the one on the right has smaller diameter rivet heads that the switch bumps contact. They also have a slightly different rivet upset.

Not sure there is anything significant to these. What I have noticed are some slightly loose tabs on the rivet and one the rivet caused the tab to crack. I do not know if this is an electrical issue one would need to be concerned with, but I am using the plate with all solidly riveted tabs.

I have also noticed that the T tab plates all had flags soldered on the original wires that were set up to handle one or two wires except the horn contact was a single.

I have included 2 picts of what I suspect to be original wiring. The harness was cut about 8" from the plate. These are reference photos for later if I am soldering in a repro harness. I can get the wire flag direction correct for best fit (I hope).

Which leads me to actual wire. I have 2 units with what I am strongly believe is original Ford wire. I would not call myself 100%, but it looks good.

Most are used to calling out wire by outer gauge. I wanted to know more about the number of strands and the gauge of the strands. What I found has be scratching my head a bit. I need to dig up a better wire type chart.

In one harness all the wires were the same 16 strands of about .013" (might really be closer to .0127") wire.

In the other harness the wires heading off to the head lamps are different. The 3 pairs of wire are 7 strands of .0195 (the 5 is a guesstimation).

So what am I seeing here?
Does anyone know what was called out on the factory drawings?

Finally,

What have you guys found in the various repro harnesses currently available?

Thanks,

Kevin