[Public-list] chainplates

[Dave Terrell]

I removed my chain plates as part of the process of strengthening the
system as per the suggestions in the maintenance manual. I found that
some of the chain plates were a bit bent - after 37 years.
 
Am I correct in thinking that replacement is in order? If so, any
suggestions about where to go to get new chain plates? 
 
I also found that the aft lower and the upper chain plates were about
the same length, but the forward lowers were shorter.Is this normal or
odd - and a potential problem?
 
thanks in advance for you ideas.
 
David, 432.