Tailgate chains on new paint

[my56chevytruck]

Originally Posted by DPete

I left mine but would like to know what you do to keep them from swinging? I think the sleeves on mine are a little short which makes them more flexible. Any pics of chains that don't swing? Or ideas?

I don't have a picture of my 56 chains on the rear, but I bought the standard chain and clear cover and what I did, was double over the chain/cover and tucked it under the back end of the bed. Never comes out and obviously doesn't flop around.

[MARTINSR]

This isn't going to help you a bit but I just had to post a photo of my truck around 1988 and the chain covers I had on it. You see a friend of mine was an upholsterer and hot rodder with a Duece three window and a 56 Ford F-100 big window and he use to make these in all different colors and sell them at swap meets.

He was a big SF Giants fan with four season tickets first row right at the Giants bullpen mound. I saw many games there, every time I watched a game on tv he would be sitting there. I have a Giants game on right now as I make this post, the bummer is he passed away very unexpectedly at 50 years old 7 years ago.

I still have those covers, they are faded pretty bad, I am keeping them just for the memories.

Brian

[joedoh]

if you know anyone in IT ask them for some velcro wire loom. its usually nylon weave with a velcro close. very durable, easy to put on and take off.

[Russell Ashley]

Mine stay like this and don't seem to move. The cover is stiff enough to hold the hook end of the chain against the bed and only the cover contacts the paint. I found that you can index the chain holder in the square hole so that the chain will stay in this position when you latch it. It works for me anyway. Also don't overlook the marking on the chains, they are R and L.

[1project2many]

Originally Posted by dsraven

will the shrink tube bend enough to make the chains look proper without fatigue cracking?

I think it depends on the wall thickness. If you don't open the gate much you could shrink the cover after the chains are hooked in.

[vintovka]

Probably old idea but adding a peel and stick rubber (or foam) between the gate and the bed makes my hooks fit tight and stopped the tailgate rattle. I put it right where the latch is and its concealed when gate is closed. I have the standard covers and they seem to work ok.

[Jesse Z]

Model A chain covers, available at any Model A parts dealer: