Thanks for the feedback gentlemen. I'm happy to report that this is still a great County to live in as you can go to your local AutoZone and get a new original replacement fuel pump any day of the week for your ford y block. She's up and running again.
I really gave the battery a beating when the wires shorted, the ammeter was pegged at 30+ amp for awhile. Ill check the new in pump filter right away for junk but when I checked the old one before the test drive it looked good. Ill look at the old one again. I was thinking of buying a spare pump and stash it behing the seat along with a small tool kit. This truck has dual tanks with a somwhat hidden valve that could act as a theft deturant.

Speaking of theft , I'm already stressing a bit about that. Hope I can keep the wife content giving up her prime indoor parking spot.

Side question: was vinyl tape used back in 59 on the wiring harness?