Technical Dip Stick in pan side

Anyone installed a dip stick in the side of an oil pan? My Flathead V-12 doesn't have a dip stick, and I'd like to see what is going on with the oil. There is a float that pokes through the intake, but you can't sniff the oil, look for water, gas, etc. Can this be done without creating leaks, splash out, or venting?
Thanks
Abe

 

Late Ford V8s have the DS in the pan. Fill pan with the proper amount of oil, do some measuring before cutting on yours & get a good welder to weld it in.

 

I weld a short piece of 1/8 pipe in the side of the pan. I use a brass compression fitting on the pipe and put a repo Chevy dip stick in the fitting and tighten the fitting. It is easy to remove or reposition. The chrome is nice.

 

Ford flathead oil pan bosses are held on by 3 rivets. You could pull one off of an old pan and install it on your pan and use the flathead dipstick tube. You can also buy them brand new with the gasket and rivets. Last I checked they were around 35.00 from the Early Ford Store.

 

80s and 90s 302 Ford. Junkyard piece should be cheap.

 

That's what I mean't by "late"!

 

Just agreeing with you! Common & cheap, and should easily be adapted.

 

What about putting a dip stick in place of the float?

 

Thanks guys, looks like a trip to local U-pull-it is in order. Might get a small welding rod through hole in manifold, but you then need to hit a hole of the same size in the lifter valley to find the pan. External should be better.
Abe

 

X2 This is the best solution.