Dipstick and tube

[surfmurf]

Anyone know if the 1965-66 390 FE engine oil Dipstick & Tube will FIT and / or properly read the oil level in a 1963 390 FE engine??
Especially FIT in the block. I can correct the stick reading, if necessary.
I want to use a Chrome pair, but can only find the 65-66 set chromed.
No such luck on earlier '61-'64 years except for the OEM BLACK sets.

[Alan H. Tast]

First question: does your car have A/C or not?
Second question: did you try to use the 'Search' function and type in "dipstick length" or "dipstick tube length"? If you do, you'll find this among other posts/threads by yours truly: Remember, "Search" is your friend...

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14272&p=85294&hilit ... gth#p85294

One of the pieces of information still needed for the compilation of oil level indicator/dipstick and tube information noted above is the length of the indicator tube for '65-'66 models. Which begs the following questions:
1. What is the length of the tube you want to work with?
2. Are you certain of its stated application?
3. Is the chromed set you want to use OEM Ford or aftermarket?
4. From whom is this being sourced, i.e. one of the T-bird parts vendors, another antique car parts source like MAC's, a Mustang parts vendor, an aftermarket operation like Summit or Jeg's, etc.?
5. Do you have part numbers or any additional information on the tube/indicator set you want to use?

[stevegintn]

Anyone know if the 1965-66 390 FE engine oil Dipstick & Tube will FIT and / or properly read the oil level in a 1963 390 FE engine??
Especially FIT in the block. I can correct the stick reading, if necessary.
I want to use a Chrome pair, but can only find the 65-66 set chromed.
No such luck on earlier '61-'64 years except for the OEM BLACK sets.

OK, I tried to reply yesterday, but it appeared the server was down, til now.

SmurfMurf, be sure to follow all of Alan's great advice.

I will add that another critical aspect for a correct dipstick is the WIDTH. I need a new one for my 62 a/c car, which was broken at the 'hosel' (a golf term, but useful). I ordered one from MAC's last year, but the one they sent was too WIDE for the tube. My factory stick is 1/4 inch wide.

If I cannot find one, I will just replace the tube, too.

[Jim Wulf]

Steve,

Your dipstick can be welded and repaired. I've had it done it to several with no problems, actually stronger than original.

[tee byrd]

I had the same issue, which was one of the first indicators that I didnt get the original engine via the PO.
Since (as I think many "much more knowledgeable folks" on this forum can confirm) there is no such thing as a matching numbers T'bird (at least not the
bullets), you may not have the OEM engine.

In my case, there have been several indicators that have lead me to realize that I have either a '65 or '66 engine in mine.
The dipstick was an early clue a couple years ago when I got her. A bunch of other items over the last year or so have proven my suspicions
correct. They culminated when I bought a new starter, only to realize that the "correct '62" wouldnt fit. only a '65+ would.
So I hope this isnt the actual problem you are having, because mine has turned into a bit of a nightmare, trying to go back and forth between the
'62 manuals and '65 engine manuals to see what's what.

I have always stuck with T'birdcentric outfitters for parts (whom I dont think are allowed to be named on this site, but anyone feel free to correct that if I'm wrong). Some are better than others and you can tell pretty quick when you call em if they actually know birds or not.

I still do not have a dipstick that fits correctly, but honestly, I skipped over that issue, because I have so many others that it fell to back burner.

Oh the joys of old cars and their untold histories

[stevegintn]

Steve,

Your dipstick can be welded and repaired. I've had it done it to several with no problems, actually stronger than original.

Great idea, Jim - thanks, I will try that

[stevegintn]

Jim Wulf, I tracked down a little Mexican welding shop near Memphis yesterday, and got my broken dipstick fixed - best $20 I ever spent!

[Jim Wulf]

That’ll probably be the cheapest repair you’ll ever have on your bird!

[stevegintn]

That’ll probably be the cheapest repair you’ll ever have on your bird!

No doubt!