26 IH Bed design

Before and After pictures

I LIKE IT!! Great job!

I was thinking... I posted pictures of a torch holder on home made tools, on this forum. In one of the pictures there is a box of self warping wire loom called C6. This stuff is a woven ABS plastic that has the look of old style wire loom. This product would make a really good tailgate chain wrap. It breaths and drains, unlike hose that can fill with water and destroy the chain. The ends can be finished with heat-shrink.

I'm not sure it gives the old look.

I have a lead on some old chain from my appraiser, I want to show it off, not hide it. The clear hose is definitely not the solution, its just to keep the chain from rubbing on the wood. I think I will clear coat the chain and leave it exposed, I'm not planning on taking the truck out, if its going to rain.

I understand. Nothing gives that old look better than chain rub marks on the box.
I've seen a spring wound through the chain to stiffen the chain. Hardly noticeable. You will figure it out.

its one of those things that should be simple, and as original as possible. Seems to me that it will take me some time to figure this one out. Although, the tailgate shouldn't be opened except for shows, shouldn't get too much activity.

You did a top notch job on the bed.


If you want "period correct" chain covers,go with canvas. You can even make them yourself. Thinking about it and if you want just bare chain for shows make covers for transportation that can be easily removed,like canvas with velcro closures. Walmart has sew on velcro.
(I've also used it and contact cement or hot melt glue for things because it has a lower "profile" then the self stick type).

An example;
http://walcks4wd.com/tailgate-chain-set ... overs.html

Military vehicles (and others) use a hook on one end so the gate can be opened fully so it's out of the way.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ta ... rs&start=0

That's a great ides, it will follow the look of the era and function.
Thanks for the tip