1957 SDV - Please help this dipstick with his dip stick!!

[Dave Burke]

Hi Guys!

Well, it's me again: Dave Burke with another wonderful question that may solve all of my problems:  In the case of a 1957 Jetaway 315 transmission, is the transmission fluid dip stick straight or kinked, and what is its length?  I may have goofed and put the WRONG ONE on this engine (one that would have come from my 1963 Cadillac)  If it is the wrong length or shape, then I might have fluid level issues, yes?

Please pray for this ignoramus - more especially, pray for my poor car!  I just drove it and as per usual, it went through a few shifts as it was cool, but as the trans began warming up, the shift duration began lagging and got reluctant by the time I got home.  Fortunately I was just going around the block as a test.  But something is buggy and the car wants to shift and do what it is supposed to.  Also, one of the things that makes me wonder about this is that I followed the fluid change procedures to the letter, but it seemed to take more than about 11 quarts (and yes, I know, you start with 8 and add until the fluid line is about 1/4 inch short of the "Full" mark unless the car is hot). 

COULD THIS BE THE SECRET TO A HAPPIER LIFE?

HELP ME OBI-WAN KENOBIS - Y'ALL'S MY ONLY HOPE!!

Thanks,

Dave Burke
Clutching at straws...