Little red dirty vacuum cleaners were really well made in their day so they're still going strong today. Unfortunately, the only part that ever fails is the straps. Luckily, you can still buy straps. These belts fit perfectly and make the vacuum cleaner work practically like new. $5 for two straps is also a good price. Two straps will last a very long time if you don't lose/lost the spare strap before you need it. I tie a spare strap to a vacuum cord so I don't lose it.