You got it! I was a counterman for several years. Belt sizes are coded in the part number. The old books have the code. Do the computers? It is a shame that parts people today can't pay the rent with their jobs. Why bother to learn the trade? Today's parts houses just skim the cream off the top of the market and don't care about the rest. Floor space & shelf space have a $$$ value. If it doesn't move fast enough it isn't stocked.
As far as the person trying to help, none of them were alive when cars had points, carbs, generators, or mechanical fuel pumps. You are the odd ball not them. Arm yourself with relevant information that will make their search easier or just accept what you get.
