Triumph gearbox belt

[Snake Plissken]

Just got a Triumph gearbox for my Ultima vintage racer, its in good overall condition but unfortunately missing its belt.
Anyone knows if the Lazer rear belt (LA-12) would fit Triumph gearbox? I remember reading some time ago that earlier Triumphs came with two narrow Lazer belts but later in the production run it was changed to a single wide belt. The reason I’m asking this is because Lazer belts are readily available on the bay for about $5 while Triumph belts (TM-17) are much harder to obtain and probably will cost more.

[Mr. ED]

no go: TM17 is way shorter than LA12

[Snake Plissken]

looks like I need to start a hunt for this belt

[highwayracer]

It's actually the opposite...the single thick belt came first. Kyosho then went with the 2 narrow belts.

I'll check the rampage belt is the same as the one from the triumph.

Regards,
highwayracer

[Snake Plissken]

It's actually the opposite...the single thick belt came first. Kyosho then went with the 2 narrow belts.

I just had a look at the October 91 issue of RCCA were they featured a Triumph track report. According to the article the two narrow belts (4mm each) were originally available but it was found that they tend to ride each other and cause drag so they were superseded with the single wider belt (6mm). Then again, RCCA mistakes were not uncommon back in the day so that may not be necessarily true...

[Sasha8066]

If you can determine what "kind" of belt it is - i.e. number of teeth, and pitch style, you may be able to find a replacement looking at those used on current vehicles. For instance if the tooth style is the S3M style, there are several belts available for Mugen, Ofna, Hot Bodies, and HPI that may work. Sometimes, you may be lucky enough that looking at photos of older belts it will actually have the belt identification on it. You could also try this eBay seller -
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-Kyosho-RAMPAGE-OUTLAW-rear-belt-replace-FD13_W0QQitemZ270422647577QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRadio_Control_Parts_Accessories?hash=item3ef6722319&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
He appears to have quite a few older replacement belts for Kyosho cars (Lazer, etc.).

I went through a similar issue trying to track down a rear belt for my CAT 2000; I was lucky enough that Schumacher could still get them.

[Snake Plissken]

I actually contacted that seller to ask if he'll stock triumph belts, haven't got a response yet...
I know a place who sells a triumph belt but from past experience it takes several weeks for them to process the order, plus the price is rather steep.

[isobarik]

Do you have an belt that can be counted ????

mvh Isobarik

[Snake Plissken]

Yes I do, I received the gearbox with a single narrow belt (not enough to run it safely I assume). I can take it apart, count the tooth number and quote the writing on it (although I believe it has the same pitch and tooth profile as the Lazer belt). Do you have access to a belt supplier?

[Mr. ED]

I wouldn't worry running the single belt unless you do extreme moters.
As long as you set the slipper properly ...

http://www.smallparts.com/Timing-Single-Sided-Neoprene-Pitch-Length/dp/B001DJWFFU?ie=UTF8&qid=1248857379&pf_rd_r=1NMH118TYR8QMWE66ZFS&pf_rd_p=467590031&pf_rd_i=16411421&sr=1-1&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_m=AIUBT5HP6PMAF&pf_rd_t=301

I think this is a valid replacement: 6 mm wide, and 49 teeth (I hope I counted that right)

[Snake Plissken]

I must admit I'm not familiar with belt standardization, how can you tell this belt has the same tooth profile?

[Mr. ED]

Most kyosho cars use the same industry standard belt: the m3 or 3m standard ( momentary black-out). Translate as metric 3 mm pitch. From the start of each teeth till the start of the next it measures 3 mm.

Also, this belt is glasffibre reinforced, so it should be ok for use on modelcars

[Sasha8066]

A lot of Japanese style vehicles utilize the metric timing belts, but if you can decipher the lettering scheme/numbers, that should lead you to the right belt.

Goes through different types of common belts:
http://www.newenglandbelting.com/Neoprene_TimingBelts.asp

And, a site that sells all kinds of belts, including Schumacher PowerGrip belts:
http://www.royalsupply.com/store/pc/Gates®-Belts-c1028.htm

[optimaforever]

very interesting thread for belt lovers

[Mr. ED]

very interesting thread for belt lovers

not the first and not the last time the same subject gets chewed over