First I must say I am embarrassed that I have not noticed the replies to my thread. I thought I would receive an email when someone replied and hence thought no one did. No doubt there is a setting I need to check when making a post.
Shvegel that would have been great as originality is not this cars forte. This 71’ 280sl was a barn find mix of SL and SE engine parts with missing parts. On the dipstick I ended up with a new long tube and a new middle short dipstick as in Joe’s photo. I have on the way a new long dipstick so hopefully it will be resolved. Again everyone that replied, Shvegel, Cabrioletturbo, ja17 Joe, Benz DR, thank you, I will improve. Bob