Bicycle Mechanics - Pump Pooped

I have an old red Schwinn floor pump that has breathed it's last.It has worked great for the last twenty years or so but the rubber washer/seal has worn out. I hate to toss it because it's worked so well, but am wondering if/where a replacement seal might be found?The barrel is about 1 1/8" in diameter.TIA

I think the Schwinn pump from that era was a re-labeled Meidai that was also sold as "CyclePro" and several other brand names. I still have one and they are nearly industructable.

Neither The Third Hand or Bike Tools Etc show repair parts for these any longer so you will have to get lucky at an LBS. If the bad washer is in the pump head, you could replace the head with any of a number of other brands.

Don't give up if you can't find a perfect one. When the gasket in my 30-year-old pump died, I knew I couldn't find another just like it. The guy at the local LBS had one that was a touch too narrow in diameter and about two times too tall. So I cut it down using a sharp pair of scissors, and then used a section of worn-out inner tube as a shim to make it the right size. Works perfectly.

My Topeak Joe Blow Pro recently quit because the rubber "O" ring was worn out. I was just about to buy a new pump but decided to try a hardware store for a replacement "O" ring. I bought a couple of different sizes for about $2, one of them worked perfectly.
I don't know if you can find what you need at a hardware store or bike shop but it may be worth a try.

Al

I believe I also have the same red Schwinn floor pump which has worked well but the gasket has worn out and it won't pump anymore... Mine however is leather... The leather has gotten so thin/weak that after about 10 pounds of pressure it starts to leak badly... This is a good pump and I would like to find something to fit it... I am thinking of trying to find a leather shop and see if I could not make a new seal for it...

I am thinking of trying to find a leather shop and see if I could not make a new seal for it...

I'll bet that will work.

Maybe the leather shop is a good choice, but no leather shops around here.Guess I'll just keep trying, my LBS shop said that they just toss 'em, I find that unacceptable.

Considering your location, I'd look for a chandlery or boat-repair type place. This kind of stuff is what you deal with on boats all the time...

Hmm, can't seem to lacate a leather source around here anymore either.. Used to be a hobby shop that sold leather working supplys and stuff... Looks like they are gone...

Try a shoe repair shop or auto upholstery shop.

Al

My Topeak Joe Blow Pro recently quit because the rubber "O" ring was worn out. I was just about to buy a new pump but decided to try a hardware store for a replacement "O" ring. I bought a couple of different sizes for about $2, one of them worked perfectly.
I don't know if you can find what you need at a hardware store or bike shop but it may be worth a try.

Al
Auto parts stores keep all sizes of O-rings behind the counter in plastic part trays like fishing tackle boxes. Just take your pump in and ask for an O-ring that fits. The parts person will select the correct O-ring for you.

Hmm, can't seem to lacate a leather source around here anymore either.. Used to be a hobby shop that sold leather working supplys and stuff... Looks like they are gone...
Tandy

It's not an o ring thats bad, but rather the leather/ rubber cup at the end of the handle shaft that is worn.Guess I'll keep looking.

Auto parts stores keep all sizes of O-rings behind the counter in plastic part trays like fishing tackle boxes. Just take your pump in and ask for an O-ring that fits. The parts person will select the correct O-ring for you.

But the OP's pump does not use an "O" ring, and mine now works perfectly.

I have made leather piston seals for spring piston air rifles. Their leather cups are very similar to what's in a tire pump. Take a piece of 6 to 7 ounce leather and cut out a disc. Find something that will fit inside the old cup - a small glass, ball bearing, etc and press fully soaked in water leather over it. Hold it in place with a hose clamp until it dries. Lube with white grease and install. Should work like new. BTW, I have one of those old red pumps with the air chamber with a gage on top and it still works perfect after 25 years.