Dipstick buttons

[D S.]

What company or companies manufactures those reproduction oil dipsticks? Does any company supply the plastic buttons on the handles of the dipsticks? In many cases Corvette owners and I'm sure other Chevrolet owners have lost the plastic buttons from their oil dipsticks. Engine compartment heat often is the culprit. I'm thinking maybe one can get the correct size red or black or whatever color buttons to replace them. But where?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Harmon C.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

I never seen them new but a yard picker may have a few.

[D S.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

Lyle, I was thinking a red, round swizzle stick. Never saw them in other colors. To read eBay color descriptions they came with several colors of buttons.
The buttons appear to measure around 1/4" wide. I just need to find plastic rods in various colors in that size.

[Joe L.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

Lyle, I was thinking a red, round swizzle stick. Never saw them in other colors. To read eBay color descriptions they came with several colors of buttons.
The buttons appear to measure around 1/4" wide. I just need to find plastic rods in various colors in that size.

Scott------


I think the buttons have a "step" on them so as to fit into the tubular loop and "seat" on the end of the tube. If so, a piece of plastic "rod" (of equal OD from end-to-end), will not work properly.

[D S.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

Scott------


I think the buttons have a "step" on them so as to fit into the tubular loop and "seat" on the end of the tube. If so, a piece of plastic "rod" (of equal OD from end-to-end), will not work properly.

I think you are right about that, Joe. I believe that the button part that is inserted ino the handle can be swaged down before inserting. I don't know the depth nor what holds it in. Pressure? Glue? But for those of us who have lost or heat distorted buttons there has got to be a solution. Mine is a MIA black.

[Joe L.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

I think you are right about that, Joe. I believe that the button part that is inserted ino the handle can be swaged down before inserting. I don't know the depth nor what holds it in. Pressure? Glue? But for those of us who have lost or heat distorted buttons there has got to be a solution. Mine is a MIA black.

Scott------


I think they are just an interference fit. I doubt that GM was concerned if the buttons had long-term durability. I think the primary purpose of the buttons was for quick, assembly-line identification of the correct dipstick for an application.

[Jean C.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

Scott, if you can find a solid or tubular piece of plastic of the correct color, I would think that perhaps a bit of drilling followed by some file work and finally a drop or two of super glue, you would be in business. Who knows, you might begin a cottage industry making dipstick buttons in various colors .
Best regards,

[Steven G.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

Scott, I measured the depth inserted into tube from a sheared off black tip, 70', L-46, 7/16", and being hollow like a tube made the measurement possible. Steve

[Joseph M.]

Re: Dipstick buttons

Zip makes a dipstick repair kit that contains a black button. The part no# is M-3626 and sells for 10.50. Their order line is 1-800-962-9632. Hope this helps.