Tim, the dipstick I had was adapted from another vehicle and inaccurate at best, but the tube was still there. So I discarded the stick and made one by:
1. determining the bottom of the oil pan with a 3/32" brazing rod which had been flattened at one end (up about 4 inches from bottom)
2. adding the proper amount of oil minus 1 quart
3. inserting the brazing rod until it bottoms on the oil pan
4. drilling a 1/16" hole at the point of 1 quart low...I could have cut a line here, however I think a hole is easier to see
5. adding the missing quart and drilling a 1/16" hole where "full" should be
6. drilling a 3/32" hole through a brass rod which fit loosely in the dipstick tube
7. chucking that into a drill press and cutting 2 grooves for O-Rings (I have PCV and want to keep a slight negative pressure inside the crankcase)
8. drilling a 3/32" hole through an old French Franc (they no longer use these nor do they particularly care what happens to them)
9. soldering the brass piece and the Franc (for a stop) on and adding the 2 O-Rings.
10. bending a hook at the top end

~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end