Spray Plasti Dip For Tail Gate Chains

[damnyankee36]

I saw a couple of posts on using Plasti Dip to coat tail gate chains. I was thinking the spray method would work better for control. I would use the clear to help it look more like the natural steel sheen.

Does anybody have any long-term results on how well it has held up and how well it prevents scratches?

Thanks!

[aerotruk63]

Interesting

[BR3W CITY]

We've dipped entire cars for a while. The biggest issues with the spray application is getting a build thick enough to do what your trying to achieve.

I dunked the hooks that hold the chains, and they held up for a few years. The biggest problem with dip is since its designed to peel, any friction/rubbing can still peel it. The chains rub themselves and the rear post enough that I think it would still wear away.

I switched to cables instead of chains partially for that reason.

[damnyankee36]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

...The biggest issues with the spray application is getting a build thick enough to do what your trying to achieve.

I dunked the hooks that hold the chains, and they held up for a few years. The biggest problem with dip is since its designed to peel, any friction/rubbing can still peel it. The chains rub themselves and the rear post enough that I think it would still wear away.

Yeah, I noticed on the can it said "Peelable". This truck will be a show/driver so I'll be naturally careful when working with the chains. I can see where the hooks would peel off just from normal use.

Since where the chains connect is where I figure it would start to peel I'll be keeping those areas clean and free as I'm applying it so hopefully that will help.

As long as it helps protect the paint that's all I'll hoping for. Maybe scuffing the chain will help a little for adhesion.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

...
I switched to cables instead of chains partially for that reason.

I was considering using cables, but wanted to see the results before I try it.
Actually removing the chains in the center, using the hooks and bed attachment. But installing a cable in between.
Baring that I will look for longer chain tubing, any suggestions?

[damnyankee36]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

...Baring that I will look for longer chain tubing, any suggestions?

I initially looked on McMaster.com to look for some tubing it's hard to tell exactly what would work. I was looking for some clear, but very thin/flexible tubing hoping it would allow the chain to lay more naturally.

[sirJim]

Originally Posted by damnyankee36

I initially looked on McMaster.com to look for some tubing it's hard to tell exactly what would work. I was looking for some clear, but very thin/flexible tubing hoping it would allow the chain to lay more naturally.

You could always heat the tubing up at the "bend" to give it a more natural look.

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

I was considering using cables, but wanted to see the results before I try it.
Actually removing the chains in the center, using the hooks and bed attachment. But installing a cable in between.
Baring that I will look for longer chain tubing, any suggestions?

I used the existing hooks at the tailgate end, and used a pair of J hooks to attach it into my bed post. The chains were replaced with poly coated gate cables, and I hammered/swaged collars to loop the cable ends on the hardware.

Weighs about 1/10 of the chains and doesn't bang around. The look is less retro, but for my truck it fits. The cables I used aren't as strong as the chains, but hold a person and a cooler comfortably. They cost ~12$

[oldtrux]

They have leather tailgate chain covers
Relicate.com

[damnyankee36]

Originally Posted by damnyankee36

Yeah, I noticed that spray-on Pasti Dip was "Peelable". This truck will be a show/driver so I'll be naturally careful when working with the chains. I can see where the hooks would peel off just from normal use.

Since where the chains connect is where I figure it would start to peel I'll be keeping those areas clean and free as I'm applying it so hopefully that will help.

As long as it helps protect the paint that's all I'll hoping for. Maybe scuffing the chain will help a little for adhesion.

Well, I tried the spray-on Plasti Dip. Didin't like it. I wound up applying 10 coats before I felt it was thick enough but the more coats I applied the more it lost the stainless finish. The spray was a flat finish so it started dulling and darkening to more of a sandblasted steel look. I think it would have worked as far protecting the paint, however. It was hard to remove by scraping so I used paint remover. I think it was fairly durable.

Originally Posted by sirJim

You could always heat the tubing up at the "bend" to give it a more natural look.

I wound up heating the tubing to a more natural curve like sirJim suggested.

[The Rocknrod]

Pics?

[damnyankee36]

'fraid not. I got disgusted with it and immediately started to remove it! I assume you are talking about the Plasti Dip on the chains...

[rideblue00]

Those leather ones are sweet!