Help sourcing a part for my 69 GMC

[Chuck A]

I've noticed recently that my dip stick no longer reaches the oil in my engine. I an assuming my original has shrunk over time (it is 51 years old after all). Can any one of you experts point me in the direction or know of a source for an extended version that would be correct for my truck?

Thanks in advance. I love the way we all work together to preserve these wonderful trucks!

[Jim Boy]

If you post this want again tomorrow you will receive some help. Meanwhile have a nice day and stay well eh.

[SwitchbladeII]

Originally Posted by Chuck A

I've noticed recently that my dip stick no longer reaches the oil in my engine. I an assuming my original has shrunk over time (it is 51 years old after all). Can any one of you experts point me in the direction or know of a source for an extended version that would be correct for my truck?

Thanks in advance. I love the way we all work together to preserve these Is wonderful trucks!

Is cutting down your dipstick tube a possibility to make up for the "shrinkage"

[Chuck A]

Originally Posted by SwitchbladeII

Is cutting down your dipstick tube a possibility to make up for the "shrinkage"

Great idea! That should work. Thanks a bunch!

[SwitchbladeII]

Originally Posted by Chuck A

Great idea! That should work. Thanks a bunch!

You're welcome, I've gotten help and many ideas for this site.

[geezer#99]

Dipsticks don’t shrink!
They do break off sometimes.
When was the last time you changed oil?

[raggedjim]

You're supposed to change oil???

[geezer#99]

Every 100,000 miles or half century!

[SwitchbladeII]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Dipsticks don’t shrink!
They do break off sometimes.
When was the last time you changed oil?

I know that dipsticks don't shrink but many have ended up not matching the oil pan some too short some too long. So with a fresh oil change correct for the pan size check and adjust the stick accordingly.

[raggedjim]

Maybe the tube got too long, do they ever stretch? I know heat makes things expand...

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by SwitchbladeII

I know that dipsticks don't shrink but many have ended up not matching the oil pan some too short some too long. So with a fresh oil change correct for the pan size check and adjust the stick accordingly.

Drain the oil into a clean container and see how much you have.

[GASoline71]

April 1st?

Gary

[geezer#99]

Holy ......Batman!
Gonna change my name to Colonel I bin Hadd!

[Jim Boy]

Originally Posted by Chuck A

I've noticed recently that my dip stick no longer reaches the oil in my engine. I an assuming my original has shrunk over time (it is 51 years old after all). Can any one of you experts point me in the direction or know of a source for an extended version that would be correct for my truck?

Thanks in advance. I love the way we all work together to preserve these wonderful trucks!

I was telling my neighbour about your dilemma and he said that "once upon a time" they use to make a tool called a "dip-stick stretcher" If you search Craigslist you may find one and that would solve your problem. Keep us up to date. Good luck eh.

[Chuck A]

Originally Posted by Jim Boy

I was telling my neighbour about your dilemma and he said that "once upon a time" they use to make a tool called a "dip-stick stretcher" If you search Craigslist you may find one and that would solve your problem. Keep us up to date. Good luck eh.

I did find an adjustable dip stick on Amazon. Might go this route.

https://www.amazon.com/Sloan-Univers.../dp/B001XPVWXK

[kidatheart]

I just took a big hammer and beat the bottom of the oil pan up until the oil level was at the full mark on the dipstick.

[truckster]

Over time the sludge in the oil pan can make it seem like the dipstick isn't working. You need to jack up one side of the truck about 6 feet and it should fix the problem.

Make sure the windows are rolled down to minimize the aerodynamic drag.

[FirstOwner69]

Hmm... interesting dilemma. I've shrunk as I've gotten old too. I guess that's why people call me a dip stick more often as I age. Not sure how to solve your problem though.

[Jim Boy]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Hmm... interesting dilemma. I've shrunk as I've gotten old too. I guess that's why people call me a dip stick more often as I age. Not sure how to solve your problem though.

That could be the start of a new thread. You know you are a dipstick when?---

[raggedjim]

Oil

[dmjlambert]

Hmm, usually the engine shrinkage rate is proportional to the dipstick shrinkage rate. You probably just need to add some engine shrink additive. Lucas makes it. Don't use too much, and don't leave the dipstick in during the shrinkage. After treatment:

[Chuck A]

Originally Posted by SwitchbladeII

Is cutting down your dipstick tube a possibility to make up for the "shrinkage"

I took the advice of SwitchbladeII and cut down the dipstick tube. Worked like a charm, oil is showing up on the stick again. Thanks to all the members for your outstanding advice. I love this forum and the community it fosters!
Cheers!

[Stocker]

I heard George talking about shrinkage years ago on an episode of Seinfeld. Didn't understand it at the time, but now I know.

It had something to do with his dipstick. All those years, I never knew George had an old Chevy truck!