Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

[Michael G.]

Good evening all,

To date have not been able to locate standard v-belts for my '66 bb. Your big players: O'Riellys, Autozone and I believe Advanced carry the ribbed v-belts. I have a alternator and idler belt from Quanta but they more replicate the original belt....spendly in appearance. Am wanting something more modern and no ribs. Any help? Thanks.

[William C.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

Michael...I'm interested also. The last I found was in 2005 at Autozone...Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

Good evening all,

To date have not been able to locate standard v-belts for my '66 bb. Your big players: O'Riellys, Autozone and I believe Advanced carry the ribbed v-belts. I have a alternator and idler belt from Quanta but they more replicate the original belt....spendly in appearance. Am wanting something more modern and no ribs. Any help? Thanks.

Michael------


If your application uses a captive belt (i.e. belt between the waterpump pulley and balancer pulley), you will have to get a reproduction belt from Quanta. This is an oddball size and not otherwise generally available.

As far as the other belts go, there are only 3 major manufacturers of automotive belts that I know of. These are Goodyear, Gates, and Dayco. Currently available Goodyear and Gates V belts have "notches" on the inner perimeter of the belt. Currently available Dayco belts have smaller, differently configured "notches" on the outer perimeter of the belt.

Many industrial belts are of the old style automotive without notches. However, industrial belts should not be used in an automotive application.

So, I would say that your best bet would be to try to find NOS examples of the 73+ style GM belts of the sizes you need. These belts were of the conventional, old-style configuration. They even have "GM" on them which is a nice touch (although the belts and part numbers are not correct for a 1966 application).

[George J.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

What is the reason to not use a reproduction belt? I was not aware there was a problem with them.

George
31887

[Michael G.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

What is the reason to not use a reproduction belt? I was not aware there was a problem with them.

George
31887

George,

Reproduction belt looks like a reproduction belt....narrow and spindly. Compare v-belts from "back in the day" and they are a smaller belt. Functionally they will work however I looking for a more modern belt. Thanks.

[William C.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

What is the reason to not use a reproduction belt? I was not aware there was a problem with them.

George
31887

George...At high RPM 6000 they roll over. The V ends up on the top...Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

George,

Reproduction belt looks like a reproduction belt....narrow and spindly. Compare v-belts from "back in the day" and they are a smaller belt. Functionally they will work however I looking for a more modern belt. Thanks.

George-----


One thing to keep in mind: most original belts from the pre-1973 period were 3/8" wide and of wrapped construction. These are the attributes that made them appear "narrow and spindly". So, any reproduction of those belts, if it's accurate, will appear the same way.

I believe what you're interested in are the 73+ PRODUCTION as well as pre-73 SERVICE belts after about 1973. These belts are 7/16" wide and of cut construction. They have a greater cross sectional area and appear more "substantial" than most of the earlier style belts. They have no "cut-outs" or "teeth. Unfortunately, just about all of them are GM-discontinued.

You can still obtain Delco-branded belts but these are simply Goodyear, Gates, or Dayco current aftermarket style belts.

[John H.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

Michael -

The two NAPA stores in my area used to carry a low-priced line of ordinary V-belts with no "notches" on the inside.

[John H.]

Re: Where can I purchase standard v-belts?

George...At high RPM 6000 they roll over. The V ends up on the top...Bill

Bill -

If your pulleys are properly aligned, that shouldn't occur; I've had the same set of Quanta belts on my '69 Z/28 for ten years, and it sees in excess of 6000 rpm pretty regularly (I do carry a spare set of Dayco "Top Cog" belts [the best performance belts made] in the trunk, but I've never needed them).