VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Fan belt size.

Having a problem getting a new fan belt installed after putting on a new water pump. Although original belt size called for is 38 1/2 inches (no longer available) I could not get a 39 inch belt over the pulley with the generator pushed all the way back toward engine block. The old belt is well used, red in color and larger. I couldn't read the info on the belt but will have it sized at the store tomorrow when I get a larger belt. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem.
Gary

I have a new old replacement stock Dayco 24380 fan belt on my 1930 Chevrolet. The 24380 belt is 38 1/2" and it fits on the car perfectly. When tight, the generator is positioned half way on the generator slotted brace as it should be.

I just did this not too long ago on my 1929. here is the link to my post with pictures.

Hopefully this helps, originally the belt I had was too long, thanks to the guys here i was able to get the correct belt.

The Dayco 24380 belt shown in the link above to your photos in your previous post fits exactly as it should with the generator secured in the middle of the slot in the generator brace.

I use 38" fractional horsepower belts from my local hardware. They fit over the pulley but have to have the generator all the way toward the engine block.

Took my old (red) belt to the parts store to get it sized and hopefully get a replacement. They didn't have one of those tools to measure belt size. Long story short I picked up a Continental B36 belt that with a little effort I got it installed and the generator sits midway where it should. Now this belt is 36" and fits. The correct size is supposedly 38.5" and the Filling Station supplies a Gates 38" belt which I could not get over the generator pulley. Something is amiss with belt sizing but what I have now works so on to the next project.

Great! Glad that you got the problem corrected.

I would never use a fractional horsepower belt for this purpose.
An industrial B35 belt will measure very close to 38" on the OD.
An even better choice would be a BX35 which is a cogged belt like that >>> https://www.ebay.com/p/Gates-BX35-Tri-Power-V-Belt-V80-O-HR-Transmission-Cogged/1010265181

I have used fractional horsepower belts for many years. I had been told they would not last but that proved to not be true.