1956 Oil Tube and Dipstick

[Geoff C.]

After a 2-month winter hibernation I started my 56 Vin #277 and noticed the oil dipstick gauge and tube have apparently fallen out of the block. My old 1929-1958 Chevy parts and accessories catalog list an early 56 version (i.e. first design) for both the tube and gauge. Anyone have a picture or more info of these items? Is there a source for these 2 part? The P&A catalog says the tube is also used on a 55 2 ton V8. Will trade worn green wrinkled paper for these parts.

Geoffrey Coenen

[Mike M.]

Re: 1956 Oil Tube and Dipstick

Early 56 vet 265 ci engine used a dipstick & tube that inserted thru the pass side of the oil pan. later 56 and subsequent dipsticks inserted thru the block/case on the drivers side. I've seen junkyard 265(?out of pass cars or trucks) that utilized the 1st design thru the oil pan disticks. shouldn't be too hard to find. good luck mike

[Bernard M.]

Re: 1956 Oil Tube and Dipstick

Geoffery, Mike is correct, the first 600 or so 56 Corvettes employed the 'early style' engine. This included the dip stick tube mounted in the R/H side of the pan among many other unique features. These include different exhaust manifolds, shielding, unnotched 9 fin valve covers, etc., all difficult to find.

There are good photos in Noland Adam's book. If you're trying to find an early style pan, the tube should be 14-1/2" overall, and the dipstick should measure 17-37/64" from the hilt to the full mark and 18-27/64" to the add mark (P/N 3722960). If you are replacing the later style, the tube, p/n 3721928, is 7-11/16 long and the dipstick, p/n 3722959, is 19-31/64" from hilt to full mark and 20-7/16" to add mark. These part numbers and measurements are from the 9/71 Corvette Parts and Accessories catalog P&A 30B. Good luck.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1956 Oil Tube and Dipstick

Geoffrey-----

As far as I know, no one reproduces the "1st design" 1956 tube (GM #3718206) or dipstick (GM #3722960). I don't see any reason why you would need the dipstick, anyway. If yours is in good shape, it should be fine for continued use regardless of whether the tube has fallen out of the oil pan (unless the whole thing has been lost).

The tube, as I recall, is an interference fit in the oil pan orifice designed to accept it. However, I think that there's also some sort of clamp involved. I would think that the tube's interference fit could be "restored" in one of several ways. Using a sealer like silicone RTV when the restored tube end is installed should take care of any leaks.

Also, perhaps your "clamp" has been lost. I don't know what this looks like. Maybe someone who has one could post a picture.