My answer to tailgate chains

Yep, got to watch what ya post on here! Lots of opinions!

 

I keep going back and forth about welding mine shut or keeping the chains. I like the look of the original chains, but fear what they will do to my paint (still a long ways away). I think I'll end up using the chains (new w/ covers) as I will probably use the truck to haul my bike around. Thanks for the post, as it's always good to see other options around.

Now, I have to figure out if I'm going to put a full wood bed back in, or I'm playing around with the idea of putting in a rail/channel to load the bike on and a tie-down system.

 

Yeah!

I zip-tie my hoes all the time!!!!

 

jon,..
I like the idea,,
but remember we get lot of rain,.. but if ya don't mind a little rust later on ,, go for it...
-41-

 

Here is what I did on my old Stude years ago.
I let it get very weathered, but it could look good again with a good smoothing and paint job.

 

I replaced the chains with straps I made from a nylon dog leash. They work just like the chains but don't screw up the paint which is primer anyway. The main problem is that the nylon fades and stretches a little when you sit on the tail gate.

 

I used the same chains , drilled a couple of holes, and fit them on the
inside of the bed. two small latches to keep it closed, and push bike
innertube on the chains. chains are fixed to the tailgate.

 

Chain condoms. Bike innertubes, socks made of backpack material.

 

All of these ideas are good, but they all seem to pose some sort of obstacle when it comes to hauling a good size load of plywood.

 

My pickup has little bent steel rods to hold the gate shut; I keep a couple of lengths of chain and quick links in the cab if I need to run with the gate open. Takes about four minutes to set it up.

 

...don't run a tailgate but if I did I'd want them original chains back there slappin around,...that's just part of an old truck!

 

My '53 hauls plywood, firewood, rocks, blocks, motorcycles, hay, guitars, beer fat girls, and ***!

 

I also used the seatbelt latches on the gate on my 68 chevy stepside. I loved 'em. Kept the gats tight with no rattles. When I opened the gate, I let it fall all the way open, out of the way. Worked for me. Think I'll do it again with my 46 chevy stepside. The rattling chains do nothin for me.