Strange oil pan

[Edward M.]

I have a friend with a strange looking oil pan. Hopefully someone can identify it from this description.

Small block Chevy oil pan with two "triangle shaped" protrusions on the side (passenger side, as I recall).

One of these protursions is for the dipstick. The protrusion contains what looks like the dipstick tube holder. This one is about in the center of the pan.

The second protrusion is some sort of threaded fitting that currently has a big plug in it. Sort of like someone could thread an oil line, or a remote filter arrangement into it. This one is more toward the front of the pan.

Both triange shaped protrusions are riveted to the side of the oil pan. In addition, the oil pan has triangle shaped impressions that match the things that are riveted to it. The impressions are formed as part of the pan.

Whatever it is, it is not homemade.

This oil pan is currently attached to an original 57 FI engine. The engine has been stored since the late 1960s.

Yes, I know pics would help. I did not have my camera when I saw this thing.

[Tom H.]

Re: Strange oil pan

Possibly an old Chevy 2 ??? Would like to see a picture !

Scrap the Chevy 2 idea. Just re read your post. I have no clue !

[Edward M.]

Re: Strange oil pan

Definitely not a Chevy II. The dipstick in the side of the oil pan sort of has me thinking first design 1956 Corvette engine. I have no idea what that "other" thing in the side of the oil pan is used for.

[William C.]

Re: Strange oil pan

How about a picture or two?

[Edward M.]

Re: Strange oil pan

How about a picture or two?

Easier said than done.

[William C.]

Re: Strange oil pan

At least per the '57 Parts book, there are four possible pans, Three of which are truck applications of four quart capacity, and the 56 Corvette pan, also shared with the utility truck, with these last two applications being the only pans that are shown as five quart capacity, The length of the "sump" might provide some clues.

[John N.]

Re: Strange oil pan

Ed
I just inherited one of those on a 57 pass motor with FI pistons (which I bought for the 997 heads) that had been drag raced. Per Pete Sawatzky who deals with 55-57 Chevys etc, it is a 55-59 pickup pan. He said it is the same as the 56 Corvette pan except the early 56 Corvette had a cast fitting instead of stamped steel for the oil tube entry for the pan. I forgot to ask what the threaded fitting was for. This might work as a 50's Corvette pan for the talented members of this group. It does have the three steps we look for.
Regards

[John H.]

Re: Strange oil pan

It's a truck pan - the fitting is for an oil return line (photo below).

[Edward M.]

Re: Strange oil pan

It's a truck pan - the fitting is for an oil return line (photo below).

That is exactly the pan I am talking about. OK, a truck oil pan it is. Thanks.

[Gary C.]

Re: Strange oil pan

Ed, notice on John's photo there are 3 indent ribs. Would expect only 2 (1 short, 1 long) on a 56 pan. Gary....

[Edward M.]

Re: Strange oil pan

Ed, notice on John's photo there are 3 indent ribs. Would expect only 2 (1 short, 1 long) on a 56 pan. Gary....

Yep, I saw that too. Be kind of tough to try and convert this truck pan to a early 56 Corvette pan.

Could be done if you wanted to work hard enough at it. (Not me!)