Shouldn't the dip stick be on the outside of the exhaust manifold, not between the block and header? A good friend of mine has an untouched original 69 RR 383 car and that's where his is...

That's another item that I toiled over a great deal...I've actually seen them both ways on survivors (I seem to recall some factory liturature depicting it between the v/c and ex manifold as well)...I believe however that the general concensus is "outside" the exhaust manifold...Maybe plant, or pro date, or engine size made a difference? I asked lots of folks their opinions, and often got two different answers...I installed it the way I felt was correct, but I'm sure there are folks that will disagree...the color of the dipstick handle was interesting too...most - not all - that I've seen were black...at least on the 383 cars...I am no expert, and I learn something new all the time...

The only ones known to be black were on the A12's. The thing that most people do not realize is that by black, it means plain steel. It looks like bare metal. I bought a brand new 383 Runner in 69 and the tube was between the valve cover and exhaust manifold and the handle was orange. I remember how hot it used to be checking the oil at the gas pump. The repro tubes are not really made to fit on the inside of the manifold. I know of two well documented survivor A12's and the handle is bare and the tube is outside the manifold. See attached photo. It looks like a touch of black but I don't think the paint wore off from checking the oil too many times on a 5600 mile car with a lift off hood? Mine is the same. It's hard to tell if it was actually painted or if the touch of black is in the metal?Maybe it depended on the plant? I would not hesitate in restoring a 383 with an orange handle and the tube outside the manifold. No judge would question it... but the tube should be natural.

That was the 5600 mile survivor Bee. This is from the Butter Bee

Mine

that is beautiful please come over and post that on the road runner site!

Awesome job! I painted my motor in my 71 Demon in the car. Looks good looking down on it but not as good under the car. I also love white muscle cars. See Ya!