C1 Early 1956 Oil Dipstick and Tube

[Sheldon S.]

I am looking for information and pics of the dipstick tube on a early 56. It is the one that mounts through the side of the oil pan. How much of the tube goes through the cast piece into the oil pan and how long is it from the cast piece to top of tube. Where does the bracket that is spot welded to it mount? Any pics would be great. Also looking for pics of the top of the dipstick, the handle part and the add full marks on the bottom. Anything would be of help.
Thanks
Sheldon

[David L.]

Re: C1 Early 1956 Oil Dipstick and Tube

Sheldon,

I don't have any photos but the link below may or may not help.

From my vintage parts catalogs:
upper dipstick tube: 56 Corvette (1st design) GM # 3718206 (14 1/2" w/clamp)

Dave

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?95855-E1956-dipstick

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 Early 1956 Oil Dipstick and Tube

Sheldon,

The newly released 6th edition of the 1956-57 Judging Manual has photos of the first design oil pan and dipstick.

Gary
....

[David L.]

Re: C1 Early 1956 Oil Dipstick and Tube

I was at a swap meet in Springfield, MA, this morning and bought an original one piece dipstick. The measurements are as follow:

20 1/4" from under the felt washer to the bottom end.
A measurement = about 17 13/16" (17.81"+/-)
B measurement = about 19 1/32" (19.03"+/-)
measurement between "ADD OIL" mark to "FULL" mark = about 1 7/32" (1.22"+/-)
There are "arrow stampings" at the add and full marks.
There is a very small letter "E" or maybe it's an "F" (the manufacturer, I assume) stamped 2 1/4" above the full mark. I have seen the letter "E" on some of my other dipsticks.
Handle section is 3 1/2" long.
Width of dipstick measures 1/4" by about 0.06".

According to my vintage Chevrolet parts catalog the dimensions of a 1955 Pass., Corvette V8 dipstick # 3717868 are as follows:
20 1/4" under washer to bottom, A = 17 13/16", and B = 19 3/64" (A = 17.81" and B = 19.05")

I would say that the dipstick that I bought today is an original 1955 Chev. Pass. and Corvette dipstick.

Was there more than one manufacturer of the 3717868 (55 Chev. & Corvette V8) dipstick with something other than the "E" stamping?

Dave