58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

[David L.]

There is very expensive original 58-63 Corvette & Chevrolet truck dipstick, GM # 3739830, currently on Ebay (not Mine, see link below). I have had several original 3739830 dipsticks over the last 25 years and have noticed variations. Some were embossed, some were embossed in reverse, and some were just plain stamped. The letters "B", "E", and "M" (manufacturer, I assume) also appeared on them while some had no letter. The 3739830 dipstick currently on Ebay apparently does not have a stamped or embossed letter. I have found the measurement between the "ADD" and "FULL" marks to be 3/4" on the "M" dipsticks and 15/16" on the "B" and "E" dipsticks. Enclosed is a copy of my research in the photos below that I did in 1991 and 1992.

If anyone has an original 58-63 dipstick on their very original car could you post a description of it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300836044923?item=300836044923&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

[Larry C.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

David,

Have owned a June 22 built 1962 340hp, 4spd since April 1965. Vehicle had about 28K mileage when bought and am the 3rd owner.

Here are the measurements and other information on the dipstick:

ADD and FULL are embossed in reverse
Distance between marks is 3/4"
21.75" from tip of dipstick to top of metal disc (tube cover) - felt is long gone.
Mfg stamp looks to be a "W" rather than an "M", since the legs on an M are parallel and those on the W are slanted in opposite directions.
This W stamp is located 1" below the area where the two rivets are.
The handle measures between 5 5/16" and 5 3/8".
The finger loop on the handle measures 7/8" inside dia and the loop end on mine is much closer to being closed against the dipstick which may account for the smaller dia.
There are no stamped or embossed markings on the handle portion.

That's about it. Hope it helps.

Larry

[David L.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

Larry,

Thanks for your response. I have collected many original Chevrolet & Corvette dipsticks over the part 30 years. I have seen dipsticks with the embossed "M" as well as the embossed "W". I have always assumed that the "W" was used as a "M" for whatever reason but maybe the "W" represents another manufacturer of dipsticks. In either case, I firmly believe that you have the original dipstick.

Dave

[Joe M.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

David, the dipstick in my 1960 has a "B" near the finger hole and the Full and Add are plain stamped. The distance from felt washer to Full is 19-9/16" and felt washer to Add is 20-21/64". I have always wondered if it was original. I thought all of the originals had Full and Add embossed from the back side; perhaps that is not true. the 1961 P&A book shows that the same dipstick was used on 58-61 Vettes, 58-59 Series 3-4 Chevy trucks with 283 and 60-61 Series 10-40 Chevy trucks.

[David L.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

David, the dipstick in my 1960 has a "B" near the finger hole and the Full and Add are plain stamped. The distance from felt washer to Full is 19-9/16" and felt washer to Add is 20-21/64". I have always wondered if it was original. I thought all of the originals had Full and Add embossed from the back side; perhaps that is not true. the 1961 P&A book shows that the same dipstick was used on 58-61 Vettes, 58-59 Series 3-4 Chevy trucks with 283 and 60-61 Series 10-40 Chevy trucks.

Joe,

It's not that easy to measure the distance accurately from the washer (w/felt) to the ADD and FULL marks. What is the actual measurement between the ADD and FULL marks? Is the handle length about 2 1/2" to 2 5/8" (end to washer w/felt, refer to my sketch)?

I had three "type B" 3739830 dipsticks that I bought at Corvette Carlisle back in the late 1980's. The actual measurements are 19 9/16"+/-, 20 1/2"+/-, and 15/16". The handles measure about 2 1/2" to 2 5/8" to the washer (w/felt).

I found a "type M" 3739830 dipstick (embossed in reverse) in a 1960 Chev. truck w/283, pad stamped "F0627M" (June 27, 1960) in a salvage yard in Hinsdale, NH many years ago. I also found a "type M" 3739830 dipstick (embossed in reverse) in a 1959 Chev. truck (eng. stamped "F721M" (July 21, 1959).

According to the assembly manuals the dipstick was installed at the assembly plant, not in Flint where the engines were made.

Dave

[Joe M.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

The distance between Full and Add is exactly 1". Top of handle to top of cap is 2-5/8". Your "B" measurements are almost identical to mine (+ 1/16" on mine)on the length between Full and Add and - 9/64" on washer to Add mark.

The Chevy trucks you removed "M" type dipsticks match the applications shown in the 1961 Chevy P&A book; along with Corvettes.

Dave, were the "B" dipsticks lightly stamped for Full and Add only one one side? That is how mine is stamped.

[David L.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

Dave, were the "B" dipsticks lightly stamped for Full and Add only one one side? That is how mine is stamped.

Joe,

Yes, lightly stamped FULL and ADD only on one side. I sold all my 58-63 dipsticks after I sold my early 63 SWC, #1450, but I am still researching the 3739830 dipstick.

Dave,

[Bill M.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

Dave:

I have the original dipstick for my '59. It has an M and is 3/4 between marks with reverse embossing just like your M drawing.

Bill

[Michael G.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

Hi David, I have two 63 L84 dipsticks, both black-handled, known originals. They are almost identical, but not quite. Both have the front-deboss/rear-emboss lettering: "ADD | | FULL ENGINE OIL". They also have a "W" emboss/debossed .85 inch from the end of the handle. One has a handle 2.50 inches long, the other 2.54 inches. The inner diameter of the handle on both is 0.947 inches.

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[Bill O.]

Re: 58-63 dipstick, GM # 3739830

Hi Dave,
Mine is an early build '62 (final assembly 10/9/61).
ADD and FULL are debossed on the front, embossed on reverse.
3/4 inch between hash marks.
M stamped on handle.
Pictures might help to clarify.






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