[ponyakr]

Originally Posted by Grand73Am

...BUT...while looking on eBay, I found this!!! It's a lower tube repair kit. You cut off the bottom of your tube and install this metal conversion sleeve which converts your tube to a top hat seal. Look here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dipstick-Fil...uiPt9w&vxp=mtr

WOW ! That looks like exactly what I need. If it works as advertised, it should fix my leak, using my stick. Thanks for the info !!!

Now the question: has anybody here every tried this, or know anybody who has ? If this really works, looks to me like it should be almost standard equipment for all the old single O-ring type tubes. No welding--no leaks--keep your original tube that fits the car. Sounds too good to be true.

Yeah, I think it WAS too good to be true. I reread the ad. It says ATTACH the metal sleeve. I assume that means weld, braze or whatever. I was initially thinking slip-fit. But it's the hat that "slips" on. Oh well, you get the end & a seal, and won't have to cut an end off another tube. If I decide to try this instead of a flex tube, maybe I can get a friend to weld it on for me.

Here's the end & seal a bit cheaper.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-350-Di...3D252263551944

http://www.fitzall.com/K35999R.php

I just can't help being curious. Since the same size seal fit so many different transmissions, is there not any of the later tubes that would work in a 1st gen Bird ? I mean how many possible different firewall shapes could there be. Looks like there would have to be at least one that would be close enuff to work.