Automatic Dipstick Tube Crushed: What now?

[LunarEclipse]

Hey guys,

Any guidance would be much appreciated. Whoever R&R'd the automatic C3 (I believe) on my '67 F250 shoved it back in and crushed the dipstick between the case and top side. I can get to it on a rack though it isn't pretty. There is about 6 inches laying at a sad 45 degree angle. Anyone else had a tube break off, or encountered this, and if so, how should I proceed. Cut off flush and JB weld a universal tube on there to just get an idea of how much fluid I have in there? Does the tube extend down into the case so if I cut it off am I leaving something that could potentially come lose inside the trans? (*Shudder*)

Any tips would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Hannah@AtALossInTN

[Donnie]

Lunar, first thing's first, your truck never had a C3 in it.........either a C4, COM, or C6.. Can you get the broken dipstick out of the truck, even it 2 pieces?... If so you can repair or replace it, nothing will fall into your trans if there is a flare at the case, just pull the tube out..Even if it did get to the pan it can't go anywhere.. Get all the pieces on the bench "NO HACK SAW " when any grit can enter the trans, once on the bench you can evaluate the tube & decide what to do...Braze if there is enough to work with, or salvage yard..........NO JBWELD for a permanent fix....
You can use it to hold everything in shape while you try to source one......piece it together & hit the yards..........Donnie

[tsherry]

Well, I had something similar happen to a C4. I ended up removing the tube from the trans, had an 0 ring to remove, then I heated up the tube with a propane torch and using a round dowel running in the tube to push the crushed tube to a straightened position. I've also done something similar by pushing in a bunch of steel ball bearings in a crushed copper line, and then shoving them through from a 'straight' section through to a curved portion.

Worked fine. Wasn't all that pretty, but both of these worked.

[LunarEclipse]

Sorry: typo, C6. Have a pick n' pull dipstick coming off ebay, then will see about getting old one off. Think it is far too mangled to be salvaged. Will let you know how it turns out! Thanks again.