Good news, I finally got connected by screwing the lock bolt first through the long hole and only then place the slider square next to the screw threads if it makes any sense --- as you say "...by feel with the hands". I got the belt on with a little trouble by pulling and stretching over that alternator pulley. I then had to add coolant to my radiator which had evaporated (from the boiling) or boiled out of the reservoir, all hoses are ok from what I see. Connected my battery which was charged but later tested as a bad battery from the auto parts store. The battery was only a year old so I got a replacement at no charge. They even tested the alternator for free and it's good. Still have to add coolant from time to time till it levels out.
Thanks aleekat and everyone!
