The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1954 235ci Dip Stick and Tube Question

The engine serial number in my project truck indicates that it was manufactured as a 1954 model for an automobile with a Powerglide transmission.

The dipstick has no tube and measures 9 3/16" from under the washer to the tip.

When I look at the Master Parts Catalog, I don't see any dipstick that is that length.

Also, I would think that the tube not only raises the seated height of the dipstick to make it more convenient, but probably also keeps oil from seeping out around the loosely seated dipstick.

It seems that in the 1929-1954 Master Parts Catalog, Group 1.516, "ROD-TUBE, Oil Level Gauge, is where I should look to find the part numbers of what I need for this engine. If I am doing this correctly, it seems that part number 3701556 is the part number that should apply to the Dipstick and part number 3686789 should be the tube for the engine I have.
In reviewing threads at https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1577113 and https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/656865/261-oil-dipstick, I see that others have had similar questions, but after reading them I am still confused.

At this point, I think that the dipstick or "Oil Gauge Stick" should be Part Number 3701556 and that it should be 15 3/32" from under the washer to the bottom.
I thought I had it nailed down with the Tube being Part Number 3686789...but then I saw an image from the Parts and Accessories Catalog of 30 Oct, 1962 in one of the above threads that indicated the tube would be Part Number 3705397.

If any of the above part numbers are correct, is there a source for these? I have tried to find them online and have not had any success.

As Otto Skorzeny and Jon G have pointed out, one way to set up an unknown dipstick is to add oil and mark where it tells you for one quart low and for full. But if I can find the correct tube and stick, I would prefer to go that route.

Thanks!
Nick

Chasing scarce or nonexistent part numbers is an interesting pastime, but it's sort of like putting lipstick on a pig. Since you've already described a perfectly viable option for getting the stick height right, why not just go ahead and do what you've already figured out works and get on to the next project? A piece of 5/16" steel fuel line that's available (or used to be) at any corner auto parts store will make a perfectly acceptable dipstick tube. Cut the tube off to the correct height to match the marks that are already on the stick.
Jerry

Jerry,

Is there a source for the stick?

I have several of them. Drop me a PM with your address and I'll send you one.
Jerry