C3 Dipstick Question

[Robert S.]

I have what I believe is a correct, numbers matching L48 74' C3 built in May 74' while my son has what we believe is a correct, numbers matching L82 C3 built in February 74' . The judging guide says both the L48 and L82 should have the same dipstick. My son's dipstick is as described in the judging guide while mine is considerably different. Basically mine is shorter and is chrome on the pull loop and along the entire length. Also the tube on the engine on mine is shorter (which makes sense with the shorter length) and ends just at the top of the exhaust manifold while my son's tube stands up well clear of the exhaust manifold.
Since mine is a late built car I was wondering if I might have a 75' configuration dipstick.

Questions:
1. Can anyone tell me what the judging guide says about a 75' L48 dipstick?
2. Any other thoughts about why my dipstick might not agree with the judging guide other than the engine is not original to the car as stamped?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Dipstick Question

I have what I believe is a correct, numbers matching L48 74' C3 built in May 74' while my son has what we believe is a correct, numbers matching L82 C3 built in February 74' . The judging guide says both the L48 and L82 should have the same dipstick. My son's dipstick is as described in the judging guide while mine is considerably different. Basically mine is shorter and is chrome on the pull loop and along the entire length. Also the tube on the engine on mine is shorter (which makes sense with the shorter length) and ends just at the top of the exhaust manifold while my son's tube stands up well clear of the exhaust manifold.
Since mine is a late built car I was wondering if I might have a 75' configuration dipstick.

Questions:
1. Can anyone tell me what the judging guide says about a 75' L48 dipstick?
2. Any other thoughts about why my dipstick might not agree with the judging guide other than the engine is not original to the car as stamped?

Robert-----

The 1974 L-48 and 1974 L-82 used the same dipstick and dipstick tube. They also used the same oil pan.

I don't know of any C3 Corvette that ever originally used a chrome dipstick handle.

The dipstick and tube changed for the 1975 model year. That's because the oil pans changed for the 1975 model year. For 1975 the L-48 and L-82 oil pans were different. However, they are EXTERNALLY of identical configuration; differences are INTERNAL.

Is it possible that a late 1974 used the 1975-79 style pan? Yes, I think it's possible, but unlikely. It's easy to check; compare the oil pans on the 2 cars. The 74 oil pan has a longer, shallower sump with lower, rear drain; the 1975 has a deeper, shorter sump with SIDE drain.

However, even if the car does have a 1975 pan the question remains if it's original to the car. Also, 1975 did not use a chromed dipstick, either.

[John M.]

Re: C3 Dipstick Question

Robert,

My '74 L-48 built in late May '74 has the same dipstick mentioned in the TIM & JG and the oil pan has a rear drain plug, just as Joe mentioned.


John

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 Dipstick Question

2. Any other thoughts about why my dipstick might not agree with the judging guide other than the engine is not original to the car as stamped?

Aftermarket chrome dress-up goodies were (and still are) very popular

[Martin N.]

Re: C3 Dipstick Question

ROBERT-
Here's 2 shots of my (what I believe to be original) 1974 L-48 oil dip stick. If you need more info. such as the stamping on the stick it self, let me know. PARAGON or ZIP sells a kit to replace the black button on the handle and the black stick to tube seal, which I installed on this one.
Hope this helps.

Marty

[Robert S.]

Re: C3 Dipstick Question

Thanks for the replies and pictures. The pictures agree with the dipsitck on my son's 74' confirming his is correct and original and mine is not. What I cannot understand and probably never will is why someone would go to the trouble to replace both the dipstick and the dipstick tube on the car. Seems like a lot of trouble for what is an otherwise unmoltested car (only major differences on the car from when new is absence of the AIR system - which is not surprising and at some point the rally wheels were replaced with 76-77 style aluminum wheels.
No other substantative changes made to the car in anyway that I can find so far. The engine is numbers matching to the VIN and the engine casting date is about two months before the car's build date and the CKZ stamp on the block is correct for the car's config (L48 ,4 speed) so there is reason to believe it is the original engine.
I guess my next task is to be sure the dipstick reads correctly at full and put the dipstick and tube on my sort list of things to acquire.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Dipstick Question

Thanks for the replies and pictures. The pictures agree with the dipsitck on my son's 74' confirming his is correct and original and mine is not. What I cannot understand and probably never will is why someone would go to the trouble to replace both the dipstick and the dipstick tube on the car. Seems like a lot of trouble for what is an otherwise unmoltested car (only major differences on the car from when new is absence of the AIR system - which is not surprising and at some point the rally wheels were replaced with 76-77 style aluminum wheels.
No other substantative changes made to the car in anyway that I can find so far. The engine is numbers matching to the VIN and the engine casting date is about two months before the car's build date and the CKZ stamp on the block is correct for the car's config (L48 ,4 speed) so there is reason to believe it is the original engine.
I guess my next task is to be sure the dipstick reads correctly at full and put the dipstick and tube on my sort list of things to acquire.

Robert----


I don't know why they did it, but they did it!