Convertible belt

[justjunque]

Hi folks,

The time has come for my first maintenance on my "new to me" Convertible.
Besides cleaning, that is.

The last time I used it, it was making a new, obviously not normal sound.
I was hoping it was just something stuck n the brushroll, or perhaps a belt.
Upon removing the bottom cover, I was greeted by a shredding belt.

The info tag says to use belt #49258.
I've searched past threads, and it seems like this belt is no longer available.
So...what do y'all recommend?
I can get 49258 belts off of eBay.
Maybe they're old? Maybe they're aftermarket?

Do you recommend the Hoover belt that replaced the 49258?
I forget the number off hand, but Andy mentioned it in a couple of posts.

Now; this might seem like a silly question for something as small as a belt.
But, is there a place where you recommend buying said belts?
I'm always inclined to just hit eBay.
But, if there's an online shop that you like for their great service, I'm listening.
Or, is that something I could find right in a Walmart or something?
Ours doesn't seem to have a very big vacuum department though.

Thank you in advance!

Barry

 

[kirby519]

Belts for the Hoover convertible are still available at the local hard ware store. Commercial Hoover Guardsman use the same belt. It is only the part number that has changed.

 

[kirby519]

They are also available thru Walmart.

http://https//www.walmart.com/ip/Ho...73217650&wl5=9018822&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&w

 

[huskyvacs]

I found a pack of them at Goodwill last month for 99 cents.

 

[huskyvacs]

Also check your local Ace Hardware. Mine has belts and bags for any common vacuum from the past 25 years. They rarely sell any of their stock because its a small store people rarely shop at, so it sits on the shelf for decades.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks

If I get a chance, I'll check the Walmart and the local Ace Hardware tomorrow.
I've been meaning to check Ace actually.

Barry

 

[fan-of-fans]

Ace is the place

Sounds like Ace would be a good bet. I've seen bags there in the past that most other stores don't stock anymore, such as Hoover C or J bags, so I would imagine you might find the Convertible belts there.

For older machines, I can sometimes luck out at Habitat Restore and get parts there when I go through their bag and belt bins. I've got belts and Arm & Hammer bags for my F&G Eureka and vintage green Hoover J bags too.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

The replacement is the 44783 belt. Use genuine for the best performance. Bojack belts don't come close in longevity.

 

[justjunque]

#48 belt?

Hi Andy.

That was the number that I saw mentioned in an older thread on this subject.
What's the deal with the #48 belt, as seen in Steve's Walmart link?
That's genuine Hoover too.

Barry

 

[vacuumlad1650]

The "number 48" was the 2 digit designation for the 49258. That belt was much harder with more plastic used in the rubber. They snap very quickly.

The 44783 was originally used for the models 28 and the 60 series (not 60 series convertibles) and the 913. Hoover also recommended it in any newer guardsmen cleaners.

Hoover put the 49258 out if production and replaced it with the 44783. It's a high quality rubber thst will last a very long time under normal use. Any decent vacuum shop will carry it, or you can order them online. Don't waste your time with a 49258. They are disappointing.

 

[justjunque]

Thank you. That's good to know.
I'm a little apprehensive about ordering them online.
I've read more than one negative review, where a seller was advertising genuine Hoover belts, 44783.
But when the buyer received them, they were 49258, and broke again after hardly any use.
I will check out our local Ace Hardware.
We seem to be sadly lacking for actual vacuum shops around here.
I'll have to break out the yellow pages and see who's listed.
(Yes...I still have a phone book. And landline phones)

Barry

 

[vacuumlad1650]

Not to worry, I primarily use my landline at home. And I only use Western Electric telephones from the Bell System days. My grandfather was a longtime Bell employee. He taught me how to install jacks and repair telephones.

If you can't fond some good genuine belts easily, drop me a line and I can send some your way at the cost of shipping. I can send 2 or 3 so you are set for about a year of use.

 

[justjunque]

Hey all

I finally got to the not-so-local vacuum store, and bought a couple of belts for the Convertible.
Just wondering if you're familiar with the markings.
Because of the differences in rubber compound, I wanted the 44783 instead of the 49258.
But, when I got home and looked closer, these actually have both numbers on them.
They definitely say Hoover, so I'm trusting that they're the genuine article.
I hope they're the good ones!

Barry

 

[vacuumlad1650]

If it has both numbers, that designates that it is the 44783 and the replacement for the 49258.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

The genuines always

say HOOVER on them, yes.

 

[justjunque]

Thanks Andy and John!

I was going to use them anyway, but I was hoping they were the 44783.
Of course, I can't just change the belt.
Since it will be the first time I've had the brushroll out, I'll have to take the opportunity to do some more cleaning in and around that area.

As an aside; while I was looking at older threads about Convertibles, I stumbled across an ad for the U4387...the one this belt is going on.
At the bottom of the ad, it made mention of the color names for this model.
Crimson Rust and Oyster White.
I don't know why, I just like knowing stuff like that!
Like knowing that my '94 Buick is finished in Dark Jadestone Metallic!

Barry