The usual providers have tailgate chains that have a hook on one end and a bolt on the other. Where does the bolt go? On my bed, the place where the bolt might go, the flange is bent down at a 30-45 degree angle making it hard to put the bolt in straight. I check with all the suppliers and they all have the same setup. Is this the correct setup for this year truck? I find it hard to believe that both flanges were bent the same amount with use. Maybe a single shackle instead of the bolt? We’re there different configurations?
Mike, I can look at my '39 pickup in a day or two. I seem to remember that the chains were attached to the bed with a link that opens up to look like opposing Js. There is an L shaped tab for the link to pass through. I'll get a pic for you.
I used HD “S” hooks for the 34’ I just finished. Those double J loops never seem to want to lay flat. It’s a driver and not a show truck so cosmetics are not as important where utility is. It got a 37’ rear, shortened 6.5 on the torque tube/ driveshaft, spring shackles moved in 1 7/8”, hydraulic brakes with the 37’ fronts a direct bolt up to the 34’ axle. I found and installed a 36’ pedal/master cylinder bracket with all new lines, cylinders, and hoses. This truck goes down the road really nice and stops even better. Full interior now too.
I'm thinking about making up sets of the heavy canvas chain socks shown in my pictures above and offering them for sale. They are much nicer than the stiff hose most use. I'm thinking brown and black. Do you think there would be a market for them?
Pat, I don't think that GMC setup is anything that was ever used. Think about the leverage on that bolt if you sat on the tailgate. My guess is that he bought what someone claimed to be correct and installed it the only way he could figure out.
Mike I agree, the angle of the chain from that standoff would be pretty awful. Jim Carter sells them for 1932 to 1953 Chevy and GMC trucks. You have to admit, they look good!
1936 GMC T-14 low cab. TA for 1935-37 GMC, Director of the Gulf Coast Region
I'm thinking about making up sets of the heavy canvas chain socks shown in my pictures above and offering them for sale. They are much nicer than the stiff hose most use. I'm thinking brown and black. Do you think there would be a market for them?
I would be interested in a pair, the rubber ones that the parts houses have are ok but I like the looks of your snazzy ones!
1936 GMC T-14 low cab. TA for 1935-37 GMC, Director of the Gulf Coast Region
What the part houses sell is a square bolt with an eye attached to the chain. The body of the bolt is supposed to pass through the pocket and the nut gets put on the backside. Of course, you have to remove the bolt if you put a stake in the pocket then drill through the stake. Some of the old trucks had them like this but not the trucks we’re discussing.
I have to talk with my canvas guy about making them up and the cost. He’s super busy this time of year so I imagine he won’t consider doing them until the fall the soonest.
