Tailgate chain hook damaging paint

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by 58CameoAZ

This is true they are stamped L and R and what i did on my stepside is
reversed the handings and instead of hooking the chain going threw the top of the hole, i inserted (with the handings reversed) the hook going threw the bottom of the hole and this seamed to help keep the hook away from the painted area of the bed, give it a try! fwiw,
Allen

I never knew until this minute that the chains are stamped left and right - you learn something new everyday!

My dad taught me to insert the hook from the bottom-up on his '59 Fleetside and I've always considered it the "right" way to do it. That said, I don't think this would keep the paint from chipping on the tab the hook goes through or where an unprotected chain bumps on the paint. That's always going to be easy to chip.

I considered doing away with my tailgate chains but decided they're part of the charm of a 60 year old truck. On mine I HAVE used piece of "roadie" bicycle inner tubes as they fit tightly on the chain (YOur local bike shop will GIVE you all you can carry out of their trash) Problem is they don't last. They tear after awhile and of course they don't show the polished chain. But clear hoses turn dull or yellow - ugh.

Maybe putting the 3M film on the tab would minimize chipping, I don't know.

How difficult is it to install for the DIY'er?

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Maybe putting the 3M film on the tab would minimize chipping, I don't know.

How difficult is it to install for the DIY'er?

It's very easy with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water with a drop of dish soap in it.
Soak, soak, and soak some more both sides of the film and the surface you're applying it to with a trigger bottle spritzer. This allows you to place it and move it. When you have it positioned put a finger on a corner and press to secure it. If it's still not right you can lift, soak and try again. Once you've positioned it you can squeegee out the solution from under it.

The more flat the surface the easier it is. Curved surfaces take much training and experience.

Yup...it's very easy...lol

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Foot Stomper

It's very easy with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water with a drop of dish soap in it.
Soak, soak, and soak some more both sides of the film and the surface you're applying it to with a trigger bottle spritzer. This allows you to place it and move it. When you have it positioned put a finger on a corner and press to secure it. If it's still not right you can lift, soak and try again. Once you've positioned it you can squeegee out the solution from under it.

The more flat the surface the easier it is. Curved surfaces take much training and experience.

Yup...it's very easy...lol

Excellent, thanks.

On the tailgate chain hook "tabs" I'm guessing you'd do it approximate size then razor off the excess and cut the hole out after it dried?

[jhamelton]

Thanks guys. I just looked and he does have them on the wrong sides. So that will help. I'm gonna switch those and I have some clear heat shrink tubing I'm gonna try, and if that doesn't look right I'm gonna try the clear film. He's not concerned with the tab chipping. I don't think there is any way to prevent that. It's actually chipping away the edge of the tailgate down the side. I think being on the correct side will correct a lot of that.
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