57-62 & 63-64 upper dipstick TUBES

[David L.]

Is the 57-62 Corvette upper dipstick tube (GM #3732488) exactly that same as the 63-64 Corvette upper dipstick tube (GM #3826074) EXCEPT that the 63-64 tube is painted black?

The 58-63 Corvettes use the same dipstick (GM #3739830) for the base engine but the 63-64 Corvettes (actually 63-74) use a different oil pan. The upper dipstick tube #3826074 was replaced with tube #3732488 in Sept. 1974 as per Chevrolet Parts History. In October 1969 the list price of the 57-62 tube was $0.50 while the 63-64 tube listed at $0.45.

[David L.]

Re: 57-62 & 63-64 upper dipstick TUBES

Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin DR #560 (dated November 14, 1962) has a "1963 Crankcase Capacity and Oil Level Gauge Chart". The dipstick upper tube length shown in the chart for all 1963 Corvette engine options is 7 7/8" long (measured in a straight line from the stop to the top end of the tube). There is a diagram to show how to make this measurement. My NOS 1957-62 Corvette upper dipstick tube with a white GM 3732488 label measures 7 7/8". Therefore, I would say the two upper dipstick tubes (3732488 & 3826074) are the same length. Does anyone know why there was a part number change for the upper tube since there seems to be no physical change. I believe the difference is black paint. Someone out there in Corvetteland must have an original 63 or 64 upper dipstick tube, but, maybe not.