Upper dipstick tube source 56

[Ed P.]

I am having trouble finding a upper dipstick tube for a early 56 #199. The one that was on the car is mutilated and leaking and the one I have for a 57 hits the manifold. Maybe I need a pic. Any ideas Thanks Ed

[John H.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

I am having trouble finding a upper dipstick tube for a early 56 #199. The one that was on the car is mutilated and leaking and the one I have for a 57 hits the manifold. Maybe I need a pic. Any ideas Thanks Ed

Ed -

Right side dipstick into the oil pan, or left side into the block?

[Ed P.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

Left side into block. Ed

[Joe L.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

Left side into block. Ed

Ed------


The original tube for your application was GM #3721928. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in July, 1973 and replaced by GM #3732488 which was used in PRODUCTION for 1957-64 Corvettes. I do not know how the tubes differ.

The GM #3732488 is now GM-discontinued but, if it will do for you, your dealer should be able to locate one in dealer stock somewhere.

[David L.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

Ed,

Here are photos of three 3732488 tubes (1 NOS, 2 used).
How close do they compare with your original tube?
The overall length (straight line measurement) is about 8 13/16". The measurement from the "stop" to the top of the tube is about 8 1/4" measured along the curve. Overall length along the curve is about 9". My parts catalog describes the tube as follows:
8 21/32" O.L. (curved).

There is a NOS 3732488 tube currently on Ebay. It is NOT mine.

Which tube do you have?
56 Corvette (1st design) GM # 3718206 (14 1/2" O.L.) w/clamp (oil pan mtd.)
56 Corvette (2nd design) GM # 3721928 (8 3/4" O.L.)

Dave

[Ed P.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

The pic of the tube in the middle is the one that does not fit. The others look like they will. I will check dimensions in the morning to verify. Thanks Ed

[David L.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

The pic of the tube in the middle is the one that does not fit. The others look like they will. I will check dimensions in the morning to verify. Thanks Ed

Ed,

Believe it or not all 3 tubes in my photo are the same part (GM # 3732488), same length, etc., except that the bottom end of the used tubes tend to get bent a little at the stop just from checking the oil for many years. I have at least 25 to 30 various used and NOS dipstick tubes as well as that many dipsticks if not more.

Dave

[Ed P.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

Well that bend at the bottom is what I needed to get the proper fit. I used the tube bender and modified the tube I have to make it fit. Thanks for the help the pics were great. The tube lenth is correct. Ed

[Joe L.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

Well that bend at the bottom is what I needed to get the proper fit. I used the tube bender and modified the tube I have to make it fit. Thanks for the help the pics were great. The tube lenth is correct. Ed

Ed------


That slight bend at the bottom might be the difference between the 3721928 and the 3732488.

[David L.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

That slight bend at the bottom might be the difference between the 3721928 and the 3732488.

Joe,

The two used tubes in my photo are from a 1960 & a 1962 Chev. truck, GM # 3732488 according to the parts catalogs. I have another tube just like from a 1959 Chev. truck ("F 7 21 M" stamping on pad), same bend.
I really believe the bend is caused pushing up against the dipstick when reinserting it over a period on many years.

The 3721928 tube was also used on 1956 Chev. trucks Ser. 6-8 (8 cyl.)

Enclosed are photos from my 1961 Chevrolet truck parts catalog.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: Upper dipstick tube source 56

Joe,

The two used tubes in my photo are from a 1960 & a 1962 Chev. truck, GM # 3732488 according to the parts catalogs. I have another tube just like from a 1959 Chev. truck ("F 7 21 M" stamping on pad), same bend.
I really believe the bend is caused pushing up against the dipstick when reinserting it over a period on many years.

The 3721928 tube was also used on 1956 Chev. trucks Ser. 6-8 (8 cyl.)

Enclosed are photos from my 1961 Chevrolet truck parts catalog.

Dave

Dave------


Yes, I realize that the tubes you have pictured are the GM #3732488. However, Ed mentions that he needed to create a bend like that in his 3732488 in order to make it fit properly for his 1956. So, I'm just speculating that the 3721928 might have had that slight bend as a design feature.