Original Generator/Fan belts
Fan belts were manufactured for PORSCHE in the 356 era by basically two different companies. There was Continental in the beginning, and later a company called PHOENIX. The belts being offered today look nothing, repeat NOTHING, like the original belts. Original belts were all smooth, not cogged, and had completely different artwork on the belt.
There was certainly a variety of the artwork on the belts over the 356 era. Even from a single manufacturer like Continental, the colors changed, the information printed on the belt changed, and the sizes changed as well.
I have undertaken the task of replicating the original artwork so I can "back-date" brand new belts to look like the originals. I am not a belt manufacturer, instead buying modern belts in the correct sizes, removing the modern artwork, and then hand apply the artwork as originally supplied.
Below is some information the reader may find useful on original belts. I will also try to build a slideshow of the originals at the bottom of the page.
Original Appearance Generator/Fan Belts
Artwork is now available on brand new generator/fan belts that very closely replicated the original markings on belts as originally supplied on PORSCHE cars. All artwork is carefully hand applied, one at a time.
We have original appearance belts for all Porsche 356 models from Pre-A through 356-C, excluding Carrera. Early 911 belts have also been done.
Please know that there were a lot of variations of generator/fan belts during the above production years and not all variations will be made. For example, during the 356-A production years, Continental produced the belts for PORSCHE. Over that time period the artwork included yellow font artwork and white artwork. There were also variations of the belt information. We simply selected one of the variations that seemed to be most prevalent and went with that design.
By the time the 356-B came into production, PHOENIX made the belts for PORSCHE. These belts were date stamped with year/month. This same belt covered everything from the introduction of the 356-B all the way through 912 production. The only difference was the date stamp. One date stamp for 356-B (1/01, standing for January of 1961) and one date for 356-C (3/06, standing for June of 1963) was selected for our artwork. A 912 date could be added.
Early 911 series belts were done by PHOENIX and dated as well. These 9.5 x 710 belts are all the same except for the date stamp. We selected 6/01 (Jan of '66) and 8/01 (jan of '68) date stamps for the artwork. It simply is not practical to produce all months of all years of production for the PHOENIX design belts. So, like the B-C-912 belts, a selection of the date stamps needed to be made. Special request dates could be added, but a minimum of 10 belts are required.
Pre-A belts are another story. These belts are different between 2-piece engines case Pre-A and later 3-piece engine case Pre-A. For the 3-piece cases, I supply the same Continental belt as 356-A. For the 2-piece engine cases, there are two versions selected for the artwork. The very early cars did not have the name PORSCHE on the belt- they were only marked as Continental with the belt size. Probably a cost savings to the small startup company. Later, at a date unknown, the name PORSCHE was added to the belt for the Pre-A. The color background also changed. Artwork for this type belt is also developed, so the customer can choose which design he prefers on his 2-piece engine Pre-A. Note that the belts I supply are correct size and smooth, not cogged. Original belts were smooth, whereas most of the current supply houses have been selling cogged belts for these early cars.
It takes a lot of time to remove the manufacturers artwork from the new belts I purchase. The belts are then put into special tooling, developed for each size of belt. This special tooling holds the belt flat for application of the ink.
Some disclaimers: Despite all the efforts, the images produced on the belts are not done by Rembrandt. They are not perfect as the belt accepts the ink at different levels. I can state that having gone through several iterations of tooling and ink processes; these are as good as can be produced, but please know there will be “flaws” in the printing. Second disclaimer is that I am not a belt producer. I am simply creating labeling on these belts to replicate the original. Should any belt be installed and have premature failure or break, there are far too many variables that could cause the failure (i.e., incorrect installation of the belt). We will not accept responsibility for belts failing on engines, although it is hoped that these belts are used not only in tool kits but on engines themselves.
Costs are higher than expected, but I am offering these at $89 each. PayPal and shipping in the USA are only $10 extra. Minimum order for international shipping is two belts.
PHOTOS BELOW
Pre-A, Early Version 2 Piece Engine Case
Pre-A, Later Version of 2-Piece Engine Case
Pre-A 3-Piece Engine Case and All 356-A
356 B Belt: Optional Date code of 1/01
356 C Belt: Date code of 3/06
Early 911 Belt: Date codes available of 6/01 or 8/01
Below I am building a slide show of original belts.