L35 Dipstick Color Code

[Buzz67]

Hello members!

For you L35 owners, I'm curious as to what color code your dipstick has. The AIM says an L35 oil "gage", PN #3925520, has a purple color code identification. My dipstick, before it was LOST by the motor shop, had a salmon colored code identifier. I am the third owner of the car, so I can't verify if it's the original. But it was definitely a vintage GM dipstick.

I am currently searching for a replacement "gage", which I'm told is very hard to come by. I doubt very seriously that if I do happen to find one, it will most likely be the wrong color code. And I'm puzzled why my car had a salmon colored identifier, rather than the correct purple.

Why would you replace a dipstick? It certainly wouldn't fall out of calibration. SO, other than swapping it for a flashy chrome one,...why would you replace it? Maybe it becomes LOST? But how does that happen?! I guess I'll have to ask the motor shop.

What color is your L35 dipstick?

Buzz

[Mike S]

Both my 67 L35's are pink (salmon).
Here is a link to that previous discussion:
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=12910.msg109655#msg109655

Mike

[Buzz67]

Both my 67 L35's are pink (salmon).
Here is a link to that previous discussion:
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=12910.msg109655#msg109655

Mike

Thanks for the link Mike!! Some very interesting and useful info there! I've only just begun reading the thread, as I'm studying to take my CDL tests again. But I'm sure that threads info will be invaluable as I search to find another gage or dipstick.

I noticed both of your sticks had rounded tube handles whereas my handle had a handle that was a flattened tube other than at the end where the colored plug was inserted. Can you guide me to any info in regards to the differences in handles?

Thanks again Mike!
Buzz
 

[Mike S]

 The 67's had the round handle but I am not sure when the shape changed....I don't venture much outside the '67 bubble. 
I believe the 68's had a characteristic 'dimple' in the handle bend.


Mike

[68camaroz28]

The 67's had the round handle but I am not sure when the shape changed....I don't venture much outside the '67 bubble. 
I believe the 68's had a characteristic 'dimple' in the handle bend.


Mike

Mike & Buzz, that dimple depending on what we are calling a dimple relates to service replacements. What I have found is 68's used both round handle and flat handle BUT is seems most of the round handle at least on 68Z's were earlier in the year with later spring cars being mostly flat handle with the correct color plug.

[Buzz67]

When purchased, mine had a flat (dimpled?) handle with a salmon colored tip. I can't say whether the blade had a part no. or just the "USE SE ENGINE OIL" stamped into it. And apparently it is lost, because it hasn't turned up at the motor shop and I don't have it.

Anyone care to venture an explanation why my May '67 L35 had a flat handle rather than a round one? What do you guys think?

Buzz

[Mike S]

 Maybe you had a Chevelle stick? Read reply #20 here in what has to be one of the more informative articles about Chevy dipsticks I have seen:
https://www.chevelles.com/forums/35-restoration-corner/342864-65-66-67-396-dipstick-tube-%2Amucho-info%2A-2.html

  I read it a few times before things started to become clear.

Mike

[68camaroz28]

Buzz, these are pictures of 68 small block dipsticks but clearly shows some round and some flat handle. Review to see if your stick other than different color plug was similar.
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9563.msg137467#msg137467

[Buzz67]

Maybe you had a Chevelle stick? Read reply #20 here in what has to be one of the more informative articles about Chevy dipsticks I have seen:
https://www.chevelles.com/forums/35-restoration-corner/342864-65-66-67-396-dipstick-tube-%2Amucho-info%2A-2.html

  I read it a few times before things started to become clear.

Mike

Mike,

I can't imagine ANY scenario which would merit changing the dipstick for another, EXCEPT to pull the dipstick out of the tube, not replacing it and then driving away, never to return. I  may just have to contact the second owner and ask if he can recall ever replacing the dipstick.

[Buzz67]

Buzz, these are pictures of 68 small block dipsticks but clearly shows some round and some flat handle. Review to see if your stick other than different color plug was similar.
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9563.msg137467#msg137467

Chick,


Yes. My handle was exactly like pics #1,2, and 4 in your reply no. 35.

[KurtS]

Dipsticks were a commodity and had multiple suppliers (two main ones, IIRC).
So even if one vendor was primarily used in a plant, the other vendor also supplied the plant too.....

[Buzz67]

Dipsticks were a commodity and had multiple suppliers (two main ones, IIRC).
So even if one vendor was primarily used in a plant, the other vendor also supplied the plant too.....

Hi Kurt!

That's what I read on that Chevelle thread that Mike posted. I have procured another flat handle, a very nice one too! The tip isn't the right color, so that's the next hurdle. It was very pricey, but well under the market prices I've seen.

Thanks to all,
Buzz