Saving timing during HG Swap

[KJE]

So I bought a project a month ago and it happened to have a blown head gasket. This is my first project, so I figured I'd do what I could to learn on the stock engine before jumping into an SR swap. When I got the car the head gasket was on it's way out so I've finally gotten around to getting everything together so I could replace the gasket. I found the FSM, via a friend, for an '89 SE and have been following it to the "T", but at the same time there are a lot of things missing in my opinion so this is where my questions come in.

Current status of how the car sits:
- Un-necessary emissions removed
- Intake manifold off the car
- Exhaust manifold off the car
- Power steering pump and tensioner un-mounted from head
- Engine set to TDC (second "red" mark on crank pulley)
- Plugs removed

Basically it's ready for the head to come off. I've zip tied the chain to the cam gear through the holes in the cam gear, but am unsure how I'll remove the head and not drop the gear and chain. How have you guys with a SOHC kept the chain tensioned on the crank? I've currently removed the bolts to the front cover from the head and have yet to loosen the 10 head bolts and cam gear. I know someone is going to say "pull the engine and replace the timing chain while you're at it" currently I don't have the time/space or means to do this so I'd like to just replace the HG for the time being.

[T_wo.and.T_one]

I've always just let it hang over the front cover on the right side by the dizzy.. that way it pulls on itself.. works for me.. but it is a good idea to replace you're timing chain/guide etc..