Tailgate support chains info requested

[VictorLymbery]

Good evening all,
When I bought my lightweight, it had no tailgate support chains or mountings, I want to fit them. I am happy to use non lightweight parts and mod them. I think I have got an understanding of their arrangement, but would value your input to see if I have got this right.

From my research it looks like standard rear tub mounts were used, I have obtained these. As I see it, the first chain from these is 10 links with a flat plate on the last link. The next chain that goes to the tailgate itself has 9 links and a flat link each end, one to attach it to the flat plate on the first chain with a nut, lock washer and bolt. The other end's flat link is to attach it to a bent link fitted to the upper tailgate part, again with a nut, lock washer and bolt.

Obviously, when stripped down, the two chain parts would be disconnected and the one from the rear tub would be bolted to bent links already attached to the lower tailgate section.

My request is, have I got this right? are the numbers of links on the two chain halves correct? Also, what are the dimensions of the flat plates and their thickness? I guess the bolts are 1/4", am I correct? It seems there is an additional kink in the bent plates on the tailgate halves, but I will be happy to just fabricate a plate with a simple bend in it. I am confident in cutting and re-welding the end links to attach the plates.

I would welcome conformation if this is what I need to do and if anyone is willing to post some pics of theirs, that would be great!

Many thanks in anticipation,

Kind Regards,

Victor

[AR4412]

Hi Victor,

I couildn't find the old chains from my Lightweight, must have put them somewhere safe, and on it's rebuild I fitted Defender wires. My otherLlightweight had single piece chains fitted when i got it so no use taking a pic of them.

So, I measured the chains on a Lighhtweight we have at work. The lower tailboard chain has 11 links, the upper has 9 links. The links on the lightweight I measured are 4.5mm thick, and measure 38mm x 19mm in size. The plates on the ends of the chains measure 39mm x 15.5mm x 2mm. The holes in the plates are 5.5mm for the chain, and 7.5mm for the bolt holes. (I've used millimetres for ease over Imperial measurements.)

The plates bolted to the tailgates are slightly larger than those on the links, measuring 50mm x 19mm x 3mm with bolt holes of 7mm. There were a bit too bent and twisted to accurately measure the angle they are bent to. I couldn't get any clear pics for you as the Lightweight has stuff in the back and on top of the tub, and a 90 backed up tight to it so I can't drop the tailgate. It was basd enough trying to getr my hands in the gap to measure everything.

Regards,

[the landy man]

IMG_0173.JPG (603.07 KiB) Viewed 1090 times

Best I can do at the moment, hope that helps.

[the landy man]

chainparts.jpg (46.84 KiB) Viewed 1088 times

[the landy man]

The bolts holding the plate to the tailgate in the photo where only temporary, far to long and not BZP.

[AR4412]

Nice one Rod. (Hiya mate! )

Regards,

[VictorLymbery]

Hi both,

Thanks very much for the info on the tailgate chains, that was really useful! I will start to fabricate the bits and post some pics up when finished.

Once again, many thanks,

Victor