Tailgate chain hook damaging paint

[jhamelton]

Hi guys. I have a 58 stepside that I am doing some work on for a guy. His tailgate chains are brand new with clear covers with the drain hole. they look to be actual replacement chains for this truck. The chain covers do their job, but that actual hook part that goes through the latch is actually damaging the paint. right now he has a bunch of masking tape covering around the hooks and also around the last couple of links and the eyelet on the bed side of the chain. are these covers to short? or is there some way to keep the hooks from damaging the paint? there is no way the chain covers can cover the hook, so how do you stop it from doing damage? thanks.