Recently order a fan belt for my 47 from the Filling Station and upon receiving part number FS110 it is actually a Gates 3430 which is a fractional horsepower belt. It states right on the belt sleeve that it is for equipment of 3 to 17 horsepower. I sold auto parts for quite a few years and feel this belt is not correct in length, width, or depth. Interested in others thoughts on this. Thanks
I have used fractional horsepower belts on my antique Chevrolets for over 30 years. Never had a problem of one breaking. They don't have a short service life either. That is what I use on most of my cars and trucks as they are much less expensive. The load on them is only the water pump, fan and generator
I do use automotive belts on the more modern vehicles with power steering, air conditioning.
If the fan belt were used some where in the drive chain to propel the car then I could see your point.
Chipper is correct. There is not that much load on a fan belt.
I know nothing about the belt the FS sent you.
I doubt it is for a washing machine. You know, like the ones you Northerners see on our front porches as you tour throughout the South. We done got one out there and a Kelvenater(sp) too! We have them out there because all the room is taken up in the house (lots of children and kinfolk) and because they are right uppity status symbols. Us putting on airs. Poorer folks than us can't afford such luxury. No Sir! Just watch them eyeball your place with envy as they bump along the dirt road in their old wore slap out 32 Chevrolet. (think Chip) They also take loving glances at our 1941 Special Deluxe. They try to hide their envy but they can't resist. Strange but whenever a lost Northern touring group comes by they take a gander at us sitting on the settee out there but it seems that all they do is point and laugh rather than show envious amazement. Maybe it's the chickens in the yard. 'Course it could be all the blue-ticks under the porch. Don't know. Strange people. Go figure.
Don't worry about the belt except if you believe they made a mistake in your order. If so, just call 'em.
Best,
Charlie
BTW: If those Northerners could just see the smoked hams a-hanging in our smokehouse then they may stop and have supper with us. You ever had shoofly pie or scrabble? If you have you will understand the delight of Southern vittles. Okra, collards, cornbread, molasses, turnips, etc. No, not chitterlings. Only the poor eat them and pig-feet. We don't. Remember all the prime examples of affluence on the front porch.
Wow Charlie, a Kelvenater, that sounds a lot fancier than my wife's Maytag with the nice 2 cycle gas engine on it! A Chevy fan belt will fit it OK though.
Don't know if you show your vehicle at VCCA and/or AACA shows. If the belt has what I call teeth on the inside surface they will most likely deduct some points. Any other point judged show most likely won't notice it.
Shorty, The angle is also a bit different on the two belts. If you want the absolute correct fitting belt, go to your local store and see if they can interchange the old Gates number, which is 700. When I say old, I mean prior to the mid 1980s. Gates 700 is the belt for Model A Fords and all Chevrolets from 1937 until they changed to the narrow belt in the early 50s.
Dave: Now that's interesting. Must say I never saw one of those. I know replacement belts made now come with cogs. Wonder what time period GM sold these? (Gene, want to comment on this since you are an ex parts manager) I believe our 30s, 40s & early 50s Chevs would have come from the factory with no-cog belts If the VCCA/AACA judging criteria is to have the car as it came from factory/dealer I would think they would expect to see a no-cog belt. Think I will make copies of your pics to keep in the car in case any judge wants to deduct points for using belt with cogs. Any experience judges out there want to comment on this ??
I think I would dispute the cog deduction as well. The cogs are a little more rounded than the modern coged belts. I will check the sleeve for a date but my grandfather passed in 63 and the belt looks like it was riding around in his car with him for some time.
I have used the fractional horsepower belts but have had good luck with my Gates distributor providing black wrapped industrial belts. The numbers start with a B, like B40 for a 31 Buick.
The cog type belts came on some 1952 models and were sold by Chevrolet for replacement in the mid 1950's. That is the wide 1937-1952 passenger car belt. For judging as usual it is generally overlooked. The cars got the narrow belt in 1953 but the wide belt was still used for truck applications. Chevrolet and GM did not make belts but used products like Dayco, etc.
Cog belts earn points on a '40 when judged by VCCA. Ask me how I know. And, I agree as I had never seen a cogged belt until I owned a '52 Chev in the mid-50s.
The current day equivalent of the Gates 700 belt is Gates TR20426. It is considered a heavy duty belt. I don't know if it is a cogged belt. It will not be a wrapped style belt.
Thanks to all for the information. Not sure the path I am going too take yet. The width, depth, and length of the fractional horse belt concern me so one of these days it will be the flip of the coin. Again Thanks , it is great to get your thoughts. Going to check out that Gate belt Mike.
The only ones I can part with are two are two 609279s (Changed Use 601518 on 7-1-49) and two 473672s
The is 609279 (601518) is shorter than the 3680776. (1937-50) It fits 1933-1936 All (except CC, DC.) It is black.with edge of cord showing from the side.
The 473672 is longer then the 3680776 (1937-50. It fits 1933-34 CC, DC. it is sort of brown with edge of cord showing.
All GM. The 473672s are made by Dayton. Guess the 609279s were too but not indicated on the belt. Just GM)
I think the short one would be way little too short and the long one would be a little too long. The short one may fit but cause the generator to rotate too close to the engine. The longer one may run out of adjustment range. I don't know if the adjustment arm could accommodate either one. Neither has the notched flex tread. They are NOS.
If we become confident that either one will work and look okay then I'll send it to you free of charge and postage paid. Your call.
Best,
Charlie
BTW: I don't have an interchange book but doubt that either would be listed as interchangeable with the proper year belt.
Thanks for the generous offer but I guess I am going to use the one I got from the Filling Station. I don't show the car so from that standpoint it doesn't matter. I checked out the Gates number that 35Mike gave me and it is cog on the underside and notch on the top side. This is just my fun piece. I drove it to high school in the early 60's. As long as I can push the clutch pedal and turn the wheel I will keep making my ice cream runs. Thanks again.
