When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I've got a 1978 short bed (6.5 ft) flareside, and the tailgate chains on it are in pretty crap shape. However, different companies list different years for which chains will fit; as an example, one says 53-87 for theirs, another says 75-79 but uses a B3TZ part numbers the says 1953-62 AND 75-79, yet another has 57-64, while another has a proper 70's D3TZ number for 73-79. Anyone know if any of these will work, or do I need to specifically get the D3TZ number?
Of course, this all may be a moot point since sourcing them right now is a massive pain in the butt.
Who cares about the Ford part number as long as it fits?
You list 1 place saying they fit something like 60's to 87 ttucks and if that is the case and list the Ford number how many 60s chains would still be around?
Unless you are going with stainless I would take yours and soak them in Evap O Rust for a few days, hit them with silver spray paint cut a bike tube to fit over the chain so it dose not hurt your truck and call it good.
That worked for me on my 81 F100
Dave ----
I'd go with "as long as it fits" but given Ford's habit of making stupid little changes from one model and between model years, I don't trust it. I've soaked mine in evaporust already, but there's also layers of paint from previous crap paintjobs that I can't get out of the various bits. Plus, I feel that hitting it with spray paint will end up with spots where the links block the paint getting on, and it not being that durable of a covering.
I would go measure yours and then call the parts vendor tech line and ask that theirs measure out to be. Let me go hit my parts shed with a tape measure, I have 2 spare sets. Not 100 % but very reusable.
I had a Ch**ro**t SB stepside once, I hated those chains scaring my tail lights, tailgate paint, etc ... I moved the chains to inside the tailgate and used some large hasps as latches. Bought new lenses and had truck painted then.
