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.
You're not wrong! Especially with that last paragraph. In the moment and stress of trying to get back on the road I was absolutely kicking myself for 1. not keeping a record of the belt size I had, and 2. not taking the time to read up on the naming scheme for the belts.
I felt bad for the person, they were so willing to help but it was so clear that if it can't get looked up in the computer we were probably not going to have a good time and I was unfortunately zero help in that situation.
On a related but different note, recently need to buy some fuel hose, just basic, low pressure stuff. Asked for 6 feet I think, got a blank stare and a wave to come behind the counter and pick what I needed. Got it and watched as he tried to "measure" it with no measuring device until I pointed out the 1 foot increment marks on the shelf by the hoses. He sure thought that was a clever thing and I realized I might be the first person he's ever had come in to buy a length of hose. Very weird thing to realize and kind of made me feel like a dinosaur...
