I'm getting to the point on my project where I'll be repairing my doors (small, lower patch panels) and re-fitting the doors to the openings. With that in mind, I began to look over my existing latches and strikers to verify their condition. Those pieces look fine or are at least able to be used after some re-furbishing. Typical of many 30's era cars and trucks, I also see several other "door allignment aids" in each door opening and on each door such as; metal wedges, rubber wedges and blocks and, a spring-loaded wedge at the top of the door.
My question is (even though I have seen many use the stock pieces, what are the advantages of the bear-claw style latches (other than an obvious safety gain)? Does their use allow you to eliminate the various stock alignment pieces (wedges, blocks, etc)?
I also notice that there are mini-bear-claws and larger sizes. What is the rule of thumb for latch size? (I have a mid-thirties pickup).

Thanks much fellas.