Pink button dipstick

[George W.]

I have two "pink" button dipsticks that are identical except one has "stamped" add/full/etc, and the other has these "embossed". Both have the W or M apx. 1/2" above the L in oil.
What is the correct application for each?
The "stamped" version came with a '67 long block years ago.
Thanks,
George

[George W.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

Okay,
I found some old posts on this subject.
From what I read, it seams that the "embossed" versions were from '65 396 engines.
Please confirm and add any info.
Thanks,
George

[David L.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

George,

What is the measurement (the "A" measurement) from the "FULL" mark to the stop (where the dipstick stops at the upper dipstick tube) and the measurement (the "B" measurement) from the "ADD" mark to the stop.

According to my 1965 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (effective May 1965) "A" = 17 13/16" and "B" = 18 1/8" for the 65 Corvette (396) dipstick, GM # 3860318. According to the 1965 AIM the part number is 3860316. Both part numbers, 3860318 & 3860316, appear in my 1966 catalog with e same "A" & "B" dimensions.

GM # 3860318 was discontinued in July 1967 without any replacement.
GM # 3860316 was discontinued in Feb. 1968 and replaced with GM # 3925599.

Dave

[Michael H.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

I have two "pink" button dipsticks that are identical except one has "stamped" add/full/etc, and the other has these "embossed". Both have the W or M apx. 1/2" above the L in oil.
What is the correct application for each?
The "stamped" version came with a '67 long block years ago.
Thanks,
George

One version, the stamped "ADD-FULL version, was the first release for 65 396 and early 66 427. It's part number is 3860316.
Some time during the 66 model year, the stamped ADD-FULL characters were replaced with embossed characters. The part number remained the same 3860316 though.

Two part numbers were used for two different dip sticks. One, the 3860316, was used for all 65-67 Corvettes with 427.

Another dip stick with the exact same dimensions was also shown for 65-67 Corvettes and pass cars with 396-427 but the handle was chrome. (never used for Corvette, though) It's part number was 3860318.

[George W.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/attachme...1&d=1301064576
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/attachme...1&d=1301064576
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/attachme...1&d=1301064576
Maybe these photos will help?

Measuring from the : mark for ADD, I get 17 5/8"----from the : mark for FULL and I get 16 15/16" ---Measured to the bottom of the "Bell".

If I measure to the top of the "Bell", I get 18 1/8" (as you stated), ------but I get 17 7/16" (4/16' shorter than your description).

Using your description, the measurement between the ADD : and the FULL : marks would be 5/16" (18 1/8" minus 17 13/16" equals 5/16").

This dipstick and all others I have in my possession measure 11/16" between the : marks.

I have a white button dipstick, stamped, in my late '68 427/390 that measures the same as the embossed version being discussed.

[David L.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

George,

First of all the Chev. parts catalog dimensions are as follows:
"A" = 17 13/32" (not 17 13/16", my error)
"B" = 18 1/8"

In you first two photos I read the measurements as follows:
"B" = 21 1/8" - 3" = 18 1/8"
"A" = 21 1/8" - 3 11/16" = 17 7/16" or 17 14/32"
(close enough to 17 13/32")

Therefore, the dipstick in photos #1 and #2 matches up with the dimensions for a 3860316 or 3860318 dipstick.

The 3rd photo with the pink button reads 21" even.
"B" = 21" - ??? =
"A" = 21" - ??? =
I am a little confused about the 3rd photo.

The measurement is to just before the top of the "bell". It would be to the point where the upper dipstick tube stops inside the bell. An approximation would be to measure to the top of the bell and then subtract about 1/8" or so (see sketch below).
The "A" dimension (17 13/32", in this case) is the distance from the TOP of the upper dipstick TUBE to the surface of the oil in the oil pan when the oil pan is "FULL".

Dave

[George W.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

The third photo was not a "measurement" shot--Just a shot of the handle and button color.

So, Is it safe to say that this embossed dipstick is correct for mid production '66 thru late production '67 427 Corvette engines?
G.

[Michael H.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

Here's a link to a previous discussion of the 3860316 dip stick.

I have the early design stamped stick in my 66. Not the later embossed design. Could have been the other way around though. Early sticks embossed and later stamped? I'll try to get some measurements later.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...82412&uid=5930

[David L.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

George,

Did you read the addition information in my previous post about the dimensions?

The 1963 and 1964 Corvette dipstick were either embossed or "debossed" (not really a real word but the opposite of embossed). Since your dipstick is embossed I tend to believe that is a 1965 Corvette (396) dipstick. I do not believe that the embossed dipsticks were used on 1966 models although it's very possible that "early" 1966 Corvettes (427) could have been issued the embossed dipstick.
I believe that the 1966 and newer dipstick were just stamped (not embossed).

I have collected as many as 50 or more dipsticks in the last 30 years years and all the dipsticks on 1966 Chevrolet 283 & 327 engines were stamped, not embossed.

Dave

[David L.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

Here's a link to a previous discussion of the 3860316 dip stick.

I have the early design stamped stick in my 66. Not the later embossed design. Could have been the other way around though. Early sticks embossed and later stamped? I'll try to get some measurements later.

Michael,

The "embossed" dipsticks came before the "stamped" dipsticks in the 1963 to 1967 Corvette era, at least those that were made by the "M" (or upside down "W") vendor.

Dave

[Michael H.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

Michael,

The "embossed" dipsticks came before the "stamped" dipsticks in the 1963 to 1967 Corvette era, at least those that were made by the "M" (or upside down "W") vendor.

Dave

Yes, I think you are correct. I couldn't remember which was first. I know my November 65 built 66 has a stamped stick.

[John M.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

I have had original embossed 1965 396 - 425 dipsticks, the first design was 1/4 wide and embossed, the second design 1966-8 was 3/16 wide and stamped, both having the pink plastic button in the handle.........Thanks JOHN

[George W.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

The third photo was not a "measurement" shot--Just a shot of the handle and button color.

So, Is it safe to say that this embossed dipstick is correct for mid production '66 thru late production '67 427 Corvette engines?
G.

Okay,
So the reverse of above is correct?
"Embossed" = '65 thru very early (maybe) '66
"Stamped" = apx. most '66 thru late '67

[Michael H.]

Re: Pink button dipstick

Just measured the stick from my early 66 car. (nov 65) The blade is the narrow 3/16"/.180" and .031" thick. It has stamped characters.