Tailgate latch being scratched from hook

[BobC]

Just finished painting my 1963 stepside and a problem I foresee is that the new paint will be get marked up from the chain hook on the rear tailgate latch. Has anyone seen a fix for this problem. I know these are farm trucks and were meant to get marked up, but eventually I would like to show my truck. Any help would be appreciated. Oh and sorry for my 7 year absence. Bob in Redding, CA

[FetchMeAPepsi]

You can use those chain guards that look like rubber hoses or rubberized chains. Both work pretty well at keeping the paint good

[jbgroby]

If you can find a close color try a tool dip plastic coating

[BobC]

I do have the rubber hose cover for the chains, but it is pretty stiff and I would prefer that the chain hung naturally, maybe an alternative to the rubber cover??? If I could find a rubber chain hook I would seriously look at that. The problem with dipping the chain is that it would make it thicker and I would have to drill a bigger hole (I think). I thought this might of been looked at before as a problem, but couldn't find it in the archives.

[rusty66]

I am replacing a tailgate. Can someone give me any tips about how to best put on a new tailgate on a 1966 1/2 ton?