1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

[Jerome P.]

The dip stick I have on my 72 has a small indentation just below the Farrel and the replacement I just purchased from Paragon does not have this indentation. I believe all other aspects of the Paragon dip stick are the same as the one currently on the car.
What is correct?

The tube I also purchased is a tin color, but almost bordering on a shiney finish. The one I currently have is a dark color almost black, but could be that it is just weathered, etc.

What is correct?


Thanks

[Don L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Jerome, can we see pics of both sticks?

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Well try to get pics of everything today. The car is in storage - 20 miles away, but will be going that way today. Thanks

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

I miss spoke. The new dip stick has the dimple/indentation. I am not sure if the one on the left was orginal to the car, but it was on the car when I bought it 6 years ago.

WHICH IS CORRECT?

Attached are pics.

Do you konw what color/finish the handle should have?

Also I have attached a picture of the dip stick tube. I think it is to shiney. Your thoughts

[David L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

I believe the correct dipstick for the 1972 Corvette should be stamped "ADD", "FULL", "USE SE ENGINE OIL" as well as a "M" (or possibly "E", depending on the manufacturer) and WITHOUT the dimple in the handle. The "A" dimension should be 20 5/32" and the "B" dimension should be 20 59/64". The "M" dipsticks have a black plastic tip at the end of the loop on the handle.

The 3862730 dipsticks sold over the counter in the 1980's are stamped "ADD 1 QT", "FULL", "USE SE ENGINE OIL", "3862730" and "M" and do have a "dimple" on the handle.

I believe that the 1969-1971 dipsticks are stamped "ADD", "FULL", "USE GM6041-M-QUALITY MS OIL" and "M" (or possibly "E") WITHOUT the "dimple" on the handle.

The 1965-1967 dipsticks were stamped "ADD", "FULL", "ENGINE OIL" and "M" with a black plastic tip on the handle.

You should confirm my findings with others before spending any kind of serious money.

The upper dipstick tube is GM # 3876784. I have several used original tubes if you need a photo. Is the top 2" of your upper tube smaller in diameter then the rest of the tube? I can't tell from your photo.

Dave

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Yes the upper 2" of the tube is smaller in diameter.

What are your thoughts on the finish? Like I said it looks a little too shiney. Do you have a picture of your original tubes that you could post.

[David L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Yes the upper 2" of the tube is smaller in diameter.

What are your thoughts on the finish? Like I said it looks a little too shiney. Do you have a picture of your original tubes that you could post.

Jerry,

My 3 used original 3876784 upper tubes have a dull gray finish. I also have a NOS upper tube for a 1967 Chevrolet 283/327 (GM # 3900428) and its finish is also dull gray. The 3900428 is 1/8" shorter then the 3876784 tubes, otherwise identical.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Jerry,

My 3 used original 3876784 upper tubes have a dull gray finish. I also have a NOS upper tube for a 1967 Chevrolet 283/327 (GM # 3900428) and its finish is also dull gray. The 3900428 is 1/8" shorter then the 3876784 tubes, otherwise identical.

Dave

Dave and Jerry------


Keep one thing in mind: zinc air-oxidizes over time, whether the part is being used or whether it's sitting on a shelf. So, while the finish might be dull now, it might not originally have been as dull.

[Kevin G.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Jerome,

Here's a few shots of what I believe to be the original from my 72 LT1 (5/10/72 build date).

Hope they are helpful!

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

David/Kevin -- Thanks for the photos they are really helpful.

Kevin, my 72 LT1 is also an A/C car and has a build date of June 14, 1972 (engine stamp pad V0421CKY 12S523822).

What production no. is your LT1 car

Again thanks.

Jerry

[David L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Kevin,

I also believe that the dipstick shown in your photos is original equipment for your 1972. The "ADD", "FULL", "USE SE ENGINE OIL", and "M" are correct for a 1972.

Dave

[Jeff A.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

In addition to the colored tip - a flat handle stick was also used.
Stick markings would be the same on both styles.

[Jerome P.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Are you saying these are from a '72?

[Jeff A.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

Yes - there were multiple vendors making dipsticks in 1972 and both styles were being used.

[David L.]

Re: 1972 - LT1 oil dip stick and tube

In addition to the colored tip - a flat handle stick was also used.
Stick markings would be the same on both styles.

Jeff,

Does your dipstick with the handle with the "flat end" (instead of the black plastic tip end) have the letter "E" instead of the letter "M"?

Dave