Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I have a 48 custom. What manufacturer are people using for their fan belts? When I replaced mine the new one was ribbed and now the engine whines. There has to be something better than this out there.

Thanks

For a good many years now John Ulrich has been the source for an OEM replica belt. I haven't heard recently if they are still available but an answer is just a phone call away.

Do you mean ribbed like this one? I put this on my 53 Cavalier a month or so ago and didn't notice any change in sound. Actually it got rid of one noise, which was the voice in my head telling me it was probably a bad idea to drive around with a 50 year old fan belt!

Maybe your belt is too tight and causing your generator or water pump to make noise?

Personally I avoid the notched belts but for me it's mainly the cosmetics and it's getting harder to find them without. On the 1948 Custom, though, the belt is very wide so I can imagine it making noise.

Last I heard John Ulrich no longer had a belt supplier and did not have any more wide 356 belts to sell. If that is the case I believe the Napa and Dayco belts that are listed in the parts x-ref are the only current options. Photos of those belts on the Napa and Summit websites would indicate both have the notches on the back side.