Bicycle Mechanics - Did I screw up with a Meidai tire pump?

I found a scraggy looking tire pump at a thrift store the other day. Seemed like heavy, solid construction, but wouldn't pump air. They only wanted $1 for it, and I figured I could fix it (and I needed a pump). I modified it and added a pressure gauge. Total cost of parts: $15. Repainted it, and found out the check valve was sticking. It looks great, and seems to pump well.
Then I get on the web thinking I could find some info on this heavy-duty thing. Only to find that Meidai pumps are OOOOOLD and no parts available. My leather washer seems OK, but I'm hoping I didn't go thru all this work for nothing. Did I screw up? I guess as long as it pumps I can't cry too hard.
What's the skinny on Meidai pumps?

This may help?
http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi?c=Accessories&sc=Pump%20Parts&id=809661211355

Read this:

http://www.bikepro.com/products/pumps/medai.html

I've been using mine for over 30 years.

I found leathers for them somewhere online. It may have been Yellow Jersey.

The Loose Screws site isn't working right now. I'm anxious to see what they have for it.

Hey, 10Wheels, that's one heck of a bike parts supplier! My kind of place! Thanks for the link.

I have a Medai that is 30 years old. I recently replaced the piston with one from yellowjersey.com. Silca parts are common but don't fit at all. Silca pistons are too small, and the hose/barb diameters too big.
The Medai is stilll my favorite pump, mostly because it has a little more volume than a Silca or SKS, and it's way more reliable than a Zefal.

em

The Media was the ultimate shop pump for decades and they are as close to indestructable as any ever made. These have got to be the most rugged, and heaviest, pumps ever made. Only the Silca's have the same rabid fan base.

Mine is now 24 years old and has had the washer replaced once and the hose replaced once. I bought 1/4" compressor hose at an autoparts store and used two small hose clamps to attach it to the pump and the valve head.

I found a scraggy looking tire pump at a thrift store the other day. Seemed like heavy, solid construction, but wouldn't pump air. They only wanted $1 for it, and I figured I could fix it (and I needed a pump). I modified it and added a pressure gauge. Total cost of parts: $15. Repainted it, and found out the check valve was sticking. It looks great, and seems to pump well.
Then I get on the web thinking I could find some info on this heavy-duty thing. Only to find that Meidai pumps are OOOOOLD and no parts available. My leather washer seems OK, but I'm hoping I didn't go thru all this work for nothing. Did I screw up? I guess as long as it pumps I can't cry too hard.
What's the skinny on Meidai pumps?
They may be old, and parts may not be readily available, but they are sturdy and effective pumps. I have a Meidai pump that's at least 30 years old and still going strong.

There is another thread on this subject here in which someone
descibes how to make your own leather plunger cup by soaking
in water piece of leather and stretching\securing it over
the end of a standard shot glass, letting it dry and then
trimming it for use. When my quick fix fails, I'll be off
to the cobbler for leather and the cabinet for a shot glass.

Now THAT'S an idea! I will keep it in mind if my washer gives out.
Thanks for all the info,guys. I'm glad I snagged that thing!

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