Dipstick material

[rslaback]

I'm working on making a custom dipstick to replace a NLA John Deere part. Anyone have suggestions on where to obtain dipstick type material? I'm striking out on something that thin, narrow and long. I'm not above just buying a cheap dipstick and cutting it up but I'd prefer to just find the right material.

 

[Snip's]

Dimensions would be helpful...

 

[DAustin]

Go to a junkyard and look for one long enough.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I vote for butchering an existing dipstick into one you want. Why reinvent the wheel? CRAPA used to carry generic dipsticks. So did most heavy truck parts places.

 

[rslaback]

Dimensions would be helpful...

They aren't super important but I was thinking something along the lines of 16 gauge by 3/16

 

[danielbuck]

my first thought is to make it out of small round spring steel.

 

[Garage Junkie]

Depending on how long you need, the steel piece out of a windshield wiper is ideal.

 

[scooby074]

Is it a rigid straight stick as on modern Deere, or a flexible flat style, like on automotive?

 

[nadogail]

Can you find the dimensions of the original Dipstick? A Junkyard might have a long dipstick that you can "trim to fit".

 

[rharman]

Amazon - search "universal dipstick". Lots of options. Trim to suit.

 

[pancho400cid]

I think you want spring steel with a high yield strength. You don't want a dipstick that bends easy (or so I've been told ). Also, once bent you don't want it to stay that way until you bend it back. I'd start with an existing dipstick and modify it to suit. There are also plenty "universal" ones available.

...

 

[NUTTSGT]

When I had the automatic in the Mustang, I broke the old dipstick. Mechanic friend suggested getting one from the Chevy dealership parts dept.

The handle folded down to lock in place. It was years ago but I thought rather cheap at the time, like 7-8 bucks.

Edit: Dorman at AutoZone

 

[The Cobbler]

flat type dipstick?
I'm thinking metal pallet strapping or banding material ?

 

[Ultradog MN]

You can buy zip ties in many different lengths and thicknesses. I'll bet there's one that would work as a dip stick.

 

[whateg01]

You can buy zip ties in many different lengths and thicknesses. I'll bet there's one that would work as a dip stick.

Maybe it would be ok but I don't think I would trust nylon zip ties in hot oil. I know it's used for timing chain guides though, so, yeah, I dunno. I would prefer metal.

 

[unslow1]

Auto parts stores carry long universal ones for all the vehicles that don't come with them now.

 

[snyder]

Automatic transmission dipsticks or the motor oil dipstick from an ford e150 van are extra long and can be shortened.