Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

Hello,

Im getting ready to send my 66 fleetside for paint and body work.

I have heard some say that if you use the correct rubber parts and adjust your latches right the old chains are fine.

Does anyone here use the original chain tailgate setup with nice paint?

Thanks,
Jason

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

Yep, I use chains with nice paint and I got the scratches. Not bad though, because I'm careful. They don't bother me too much because I do load the truck sometimes for dump trips and home store runs so it's got a few other "beauty marks" to compliment the chain marks. I dont have any correct rubber parts and my hooks are kinda bent too so that may be the problem.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

They will scratch your paint noticeably over a period of time. Especially if you go through alot of bumps. The rubber tubing is about the only way to help prevent the scratching. I'm debating on taking some of that Paint Protection Film that LMC sells and see how that works when I get to that point.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

Thats a great idea. I hadn't thought about the paint protection film. I wonder how long base clear would need to cure before the film could be applied.

I had thought about spraying the area that might be damaged with red plasti-dip. It so happens that my red paint color is a near perfect match. Only the sheen is different but I dont think it would look bad.

Maybe I'll leave the chains off for a few months until the paint cures.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

May look at actually getting chains that are coated. I used to use it on a few of my projects to protect the paint.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

These are kinda expensive but they are really cool...

http://www.relicate.com/shop/leather...e-chain-covers

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

If i got a set, then i would need a horse trailer, then a horse of course.

Conversely you could plastidip the chains instead.

But I really like the 3M clear paint protector idea.
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Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

Youre right, those could get expensive. You didn't even mention a saddle, boots, and a hat. Even after all that I would be wearing a polo shirt and slacks, as I sttod next to my horse in the living room, so I guess I would need new clothes and a barn.


So, do you think that it would still damage my paint over time if the chains were covered with rubber or leather?

I have some of the clear rubber tubing and some chrome chains/hardware but I'm getting worried as I think about my new paint. Im sending it for body/paint this week so I need to decide if I want to mount the chain hardware or not.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

I have seen over the years clear plastic tubing that would not only protect the paint but also show off the chromed chain and hook. MSC industrial supply has it in 2" inside diameter for less than $7 a foot and you cut to length. I would thing a good sized hardware/home store would have it as well. If you looked at AC condensate drain tube at a plumbing supply it would likely be cheaper yet.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

I will probably use the hose too but then cover it in that mesh style wire loom they sell now to give it a cleaner look.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

Made my own coated cables for a few bucks using the old hooks.

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...evy/001-22.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps0302eef7.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...evy/003-25.jpg

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

I used heat shrink tubing to cover my chains

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

"A horse is a horse of course of course, unless the horse is name is Mister ?

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

I used PPG paint protection film on the '65 I restored. Has around 1,000 miles on it and no damage to the paint.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/s..._7314438_n.jpg

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

I have had mine on for years and no scratching with some sort of cover over the chain. Mine is like a fake leather. Now where the hook goes thru the body is a different story for me.

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

You answered your own question in the title.

Chains<<<<<Paint. Yep.:lol:

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

I like the cover over the chain idea, or the plasti dip idea, just dip it multiple times, when worn out, dip it again..

Re: Will tailgate chains scratch your paint??
 

Thanks! Ive decided to leave the original chain set up on the truck.

I am going to have the eye pieces that bolt to the tailgate painted, along with the truck. When they get scratched by the hook, I will probably unbolt them and try powdercoat.