Thanks to all for the ideas, thoughts.

Looks like nobody has a slam dunk on this issue yet.  I've decided to start
banging & bending tin to get the pan finished with it set up for the "stock"
dipstick.  If that gives me problems later, I'll drop the pan and put in
something else (sightglass, alternate tip tube, etc.).

Gotta get the bottom of this rebuilt engine closed up before rust sets in!

Tom Kendall