I removed the chainplates last spring to check them. One had some pitting, but I didn't think it was too bad. What is your opinion? The chainplates seem pretty oversized. They are 3/8" thick X 20" X 4.5" with 10 1/2" bolts holding them. There is one plate per side for the lowers and intermediates and one plate for the uppers. I filed into some of the pitting and it disappeared pretty quickly.
What do you think?
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Also, did I understand you correctly that the best way to put in the spreader bend is to not prebend the shroud, but to put the bend fitting on the spreader end and simply tighten down the shroud while ensuring the spreader doesn't move up or down?