FWIW, I just checked my 2000's, and both sets, early(traditional incuse Mafac lettering, thumb "grip" on one end of straddle wire) and later (small gold and black rectangular badge, double barrel end straddle wire) have bronze or brass bushings, and plain plastic thrust washers to control end float. BTW, wern't the red "top hat" pieces really just to retain the steel pivot bushing and limit end float? Or am I thinking of Weinmann 999's?
Best regards,
Wes Gadd
Unionville,CT