Hmmmm....I don't think GM used a filler toob bootie(grommet) until '82, and I'm pretty sure the 400 dint use them at all in the Corvette.
That being said, since you have an aftermarket tube, then you'll need whatever IT is set up for....the tube itself is what makes the difference in what type of seal used. IF you can get an eyeball on the tube where it fits into the case, you can tell if there is a bootie on it or not. The bootie sticks up out of the case.
A chrome tube is likely to leak, no matter what type of seal you use, anyway. The only way you'll ever stop, or at least slow it down, is to drain the fluid, clean the tube and the case hole, and use some 3M Aviation sealer on the tube/o-ring/bootie. And then let it sit for a few days to dry.
Chrome is just too smooth/slick for a rubber seal to really seal tightly without some kind of sealer.


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

thats what I thought about the chrome.

Dipping stick tubes are pretty much specific for the vehicle, in most cases....Corvette being one of those cases. It has to fit up between the firewall, and the engine, and come out in the right spot, without hitting the hood. Not to say that one for, say, a Camaro won't fit/work...it just might. Small block and big blocks had different tubes, too....

______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I think before I go through the hasle i think the best thing for me do to is to try to find the correct one. I just do not like leaks and over the years I have learned werever you put chrome you have leaks.

Het Joel (or anyone) do you know how long the dipstick for the trany I just measured the one in mine and it is 26 1/2" to base of the gasket that seals to tube at top


|UPDATED|4/9/2013 4:51:28 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Bob, here's an idea for you, if ya want to d it. Drain the fluid, take the tube you have out, and use a small, rat-tail file to file the chrome out of the groove where the o-ring sits. Then use a little silicon,and install a new o-ring. Install the tube back in the case, and let it sit with no fluid for at least 24 hours. Make sure the tube is fastened tight, where it won't flop around....sometimes the little bracket for the bolt breaks off the tube, and it has nothing to keep it for floppin...that contributes to leaks, too.
I don't know of any place that would have a correct tube/stick for your car....about all you can find anymore is "universal" stuff. Might be able to find a good used dipstick somewhere....


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

That was the direction I was heading I bought the correct o ring and fiquered I would use my drimal or wire wheel on drill to ruff up the spot as you suggest. When I went to the car show here I saw the tubes with the grommet and bought one to see if it would seal better. I was hoping that this was an improvement GM did using the same tube but I think your Idea will work. Chrome looks nice just seems to cause problems. from now on if I put any chrome on I will buff the surface and use good sealant.

I hear ya....
I got several friends that have the Lokar tubes on their Corvette swaps...every friggin one of them leaks...even the ones with TWO o-rings on them.


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thats what made the grommet idea look so good It is a better way to seal the tube. from some of the sites I have check they are listed for 78 to 82 corvettes Gilbert (tb2k82ce) may have hooked me up to get a stock tube, but wile I am down their I will see if the gromet would work with either tube. I beleive the wisdom is that there is no differance between the trans in the 78 to 82 I think they are the TH400 the gromet fits another chrome tube I have but will it fit on the tube and go in the trans hole is another question. I do not know if the tubes that use the gromet have a different diameter.

Well...actually, there IS a difference in the trannys....for instance, for '82, only the 700 was available. Other than that, you had the 350, or the 400. Problem is, the dipstick tube hole is in a different location on ALL of those units. However...the hole is the same diameter on all GM automatic trannys, so that's good.
Now...the 350 and 400 tubes are close to being in the same location....close enough that you might be able to squeak it in, but the hold down bracket might not line up exactly on the bell housing bolt...might have to tweak the bracket a little. The problem with that is, the bracket is barely spot-welded to the tube, and it will break off if ya try to man-handle it too much.
Also...if you do change the tube, be sure to have the stick that fits the tube. A longer or shorter tube will also require a correspondingly longer/shorter stick.
Imo, the easiest solution is to grind the chrome off the tube you have, and use a good sealer on it. Removing/installing the tube in a Corvette is a pita...even when it's the correct one....


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I am not sure if its because I getting older but nothing seems to be easy anymore