[RicksGTO]

I'm needing new belts on my car and have researched some of the threads on them in this forum and wanted to see if we have learned anything new about sources for either correct looking factory belts or good quality replacement belts.
Below is what I've found for a '72 455HO, with A/C and rear defrost with 80 amp alternator and the idler pulley. I'm assuming when the factory parts manuals reference a 1/2" width they mean .47" which seems to be the way they measured at that time.

A/C Belt 478012 .47" x 59.25" (this one seems the same for all F-body)
P/S Belt 545297 .47" x 49.75" (with 455HO and TH400)
Alt. Belt 9789230 .47" x 52.00" (with 80 amp alternator)

The only factory style reproductions I've seen are from Quanta. Of their belts, for the closest year to mine ('71 model year) there is one that would work and the other two are not quite close.

Quanta:
A/C Belt 478012 .47 x 59.25" same as my measurements and factory
P/S Belt 391201 .39 x 50.00" too thin
Alt Belt 480536 .39 x 47.00" too short and thin

Given the above, would like to hear what others have used? Brands, parts numbers and dimensions if you've got them. Thanks, Rick

[Bentwheelbob]

I used Gates non-cogged belts on the Black Car and removed the imprinted Gates label with a decal eraser wheel. They look correct and function fine. Can't remember the specific lengths, but they're cheap and easily returnable.

[Bentwheelbob]

Forgot to add picture.




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[RicksGTO]

thanks Bob, will go with the Gates then. They look great with the lettering erased!

[warriorbob]

Bob,
Belts look Great!!!
Would you happen to have the part numbers of the gates Belts you used?

Thanks,
Bob

[Norwood]

I’ve used Autozone belts for the application and sprayed a coat of Sem landau black to cover the branding

[RicksGTO]

I just bought 2 each of the Gates Hi-Power II, non-ribbed belts:

Gates A48 (1/2" x 50")
Gates A50 (1/2" x 52")
Gates A57 (1/2" x 59")

The ones on my car now measure .41" in width with the same lengths as above and appear to be riding too low in the grooves of the pulleys, almost bottoming out. This will hopefully give me new belts and eliminate the squealing that I'm getting around 3000+ RPM. I'll post back this weekend after installing them to confirm these fit my car as it is optioned. I wouldn't go by these part numbers until I have a chance to fit them and test.

[Bentwheelbob]

I had to use a 51” on the 80 amp alternator.

[RicksGTO]

ok, thanks Bob, I got these on clearance at Rock Auto for about $3.50 each so will order the A49 (1/2" x 51") if mine measures out the same as what you found on that 80 amp alt belt