63 Dipsticks (again!)

[Michael G.]

A few days ago we managed to nail down a November 28 date for the changeover from black oil filler tube to the chrome on on L84 cars. Seeing that we are on a hot streak, I'm wondering if we can try to do the same for dipsticks, I'd like to ask anyone with an original, pre January 63, 340 or 360 horse car to post their car number and dipstick color.

I have a an original black handled stick, but its not original to my car, so I'm afraid that I can't be of much help with this determination.

Thanks,

[James J.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

Mike,

Oct. 31st build date, 360 horse,#102746, black dipstick, believed to be original.

Jim

[David L.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

Jim,

I started a 58-63 dipstick thread on Jan. 16th. I would appreciate it if you would add to it.

Dave

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

David, I didn't want to highjack your thread for this poll. Tomorrow, in your thread, I'll post some pics and measurements of the two original 63 dipsticks that I have. I hope that helps.

Anyone else got info on their 63 car's dipstick color?

Thanks,

[Tim S.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

3532 that is chrome and I "believe"......................to be original?

Tim

[David L.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

My 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) only lists the 3739830 dipstick in Gr. 1.516 for the 63 Corvette (and 58-62 Corvettes & trucks as well) as the chrome handle 63 dipstick did not exist in October 1962. My 1964 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1963) lists the following dipsticks:

63 CORVETTE (exc. Sp. H/Per., F.I)............................19 9/16.....20 21/64.......3739830
63 CORVETTE w/Sp. H/Per., F.I...............chrome.........19 37/64...20 21/64.......3834117

It is interesting that the "A" dimension (disc to "FULL" mark) is listed as 1/64" longer on the chrome handle dipstick.

Dave

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

It would appear that we've gotten the day of the dipstick change down to somewhere between November 1st and 17th. We need someone with an original L84 or L36 car, somewhere around car #3000-3200, to tell us their handle color.

Thanks,

[Tom P.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

#3914, 340 HP car from November 28th, 1962 had a non chrome dipstick that I believe was original.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 Dipsticks (again!)

Thanks, Tom. Their were just seven cars between ours at St Louis. If you get a chance, drop me a PM and tell me about yours.

The data's a bit conflicted at this point. It could be that a box of chrome sticks arrived on line while there were still black ones on line, (or in the warehouse), so we may see more switching back and forth between black and chrome throughout late November and December. That type of thing was not unusual at St Louis (or any GM plant, for that matter). Engine cosmetics were not a big deal back then. If they had old black stock they would have used it, providing that the change did not affect function.

Hearing from the owners of a few more November-December cars would be nice.

Thanks,