Who's the Dipstick ? (BB)

[Joe L.]

Re: Who's the Dipstick ? (BB)

Wayne-----

The GM #3981088 dipstick pictured is the current GM SERVICE replacement part. It was originally used for 71-74 Corvettes (and possibly late 70s, too). It will SERVICE 65-70 Corvettes, but only when used with dipstick tube GM #3981089. This tube (and dipstick) are somewhat longer than earlier tubes and dipsticks.

The configuration of the dipstick pictured in the eBay item is EXACTLY as the current SERVICE dipstick is configured, including the "SE" oil embossment. That was the spec for the original part and it remains that way on the dipsticks available to this very day. Of course, the "SE" designation is long-since obsolete as Doug pointed out.

This dipstick is worth, at most, the $10, or so, GM list price.

I've seen a lot of things go for absurd prices on eBay and this is just another example. At the same time, I've picked up some REALLY rare NOS pieces at very reasonable prices. The trick is to know what's rare and what's not AND what's a reasonable price for even a RARE item. Some really rare items do get sold for absurdly high prices, too. In those cases, someone gets a really rare piece, but pays a foolish price for it.

There are several bidders on eBay who pay notoriously high prices for Corvette parts. I follow their foolish "antics" with delight. It's great entertainment.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Who's the Dipstick ? (BB)

Hi Joe. Could you clear up something for me? Regarding the BB dipsticks used in 69. I've gotten so many conflicting opinions. First, red button or white? Paragon sells a "repro" with the white button. Their repro has the finger hole of the dipstick configured like a "lollypop". Other dipsticks I've seen are configured with the finger hole like the number "9"...i.e., offset, not centered.

Part number or no part number on original dipsticks? Dimple or crease near the base of the handle, or not? Confused in Maryland The original red button dipsticks I've seen are the "longer" style, commonly referred to as the "air conditioning" style, which COULD be used on a non AC car. Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: Who's the Dipstick ? (BB)

Chuck------

The big block dipstick used for 1969 Corvettes was GM #3959158. It was also used for early 1970. It was used only for this relatively short period and was never a SERVICE dipstick for earlier models, so it's not very common. It was discontinued in November, 1970.

There were at least 2 previous dipsticks used for 65-68 Corvettes. The first was GM #3860316. This was used for 1965-67 Corvettes. It may have been used for early 68 Corvettes, too. The second was GM #3925520. It was used for most 68 Corvettes. Also, GM #3925599 may have been used for some 1968 Corvettes.

GM #3981088 was the late 70 through 74 dipstick. It also became the SERVICE dipstick for earlier models, but requires that the dipstick tube be changed to the GM #3981089.

All of the 66-68 dipsticks are dimensionally identical with respect to length and "add" and "full" mark locations. I do not know if the part numbers are stamped on these dipsticks, or not. I believe that the handle configuration to be of the "lollipop" design with NO indention on the handle. The button was "pinkish" in color on the 3860316. I do not know what color it was on the 3925520 or the 3925599.

The GM #3959158 differed slightly in dimension from the earlier dipsticks. From the "add" mark to the seat was a dimension of 19.0". The earlier dipsticks were of 18.5" dimension. So, this is, possibly, a means to identify the 3959158. I don't think that the part number was stamped on this dipstick, but it may have been. The handle was, I believe, of the same loop style as the earlier and no indention was seen. I think that the button color for this dipstick was white.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Who's the Dipstick ? (BB)

Thanks for the info, Joe. BTW, the "white button" dipstick that Paragon reproduces, along with the correct "tube" is the 3925520. The number is stamped on the stick. Also stamped is "Use SE Engine Oil", and the letter "M", which follows the part number. It has the lollypop finger hole. The repro does have the depression or dimple near the base of the handle. Also, FYI, I went to my local Chevy dealer and ordered at 3981088 dipstick. Cost? $8.00 plus 5% tax = $8.40 . A far cry from the $502.00 paid on EBAY. Chuck