Posted 5 years ago
ChaseCan
(35 items)
I just finished up restoring this vintage Micromatic Products Swivel Action Folding Pump. I presume it was intended for tires in general not just bicycle tires. This is the same pump I posted a month ago on CW in it's original condition as I received it. Which if you're interested in seeing the before images you can see them at the following CW link:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/267511-micromatic-products-bicycle-floor-pump
The original color was black but rather than following the norm, I chose Candy Red over Silver Metallic with enough coats to bring it to a deep rich Black Cherry tone.
For a total of 21 coats of paint on the main cylinder including clear coats.
The handle was resurfaced/refined removing casting flaws etc and given a high polish along with all other exposed bare metal.
Handle inner area was painted a High Gloss White.
I plan to add a touch of pinstriping to the main body and handle.. Something simple. Of course, I need to learn how to pinstripe first before tackling that task as well as put in enough practice so my hands don't shake!
Additionally, I'd like to make something to either carry it in such as a nice suede leather pouch, possibly a lined box that may act as a means to hang and store it on the wall. That area needs more thought.
I don't know what pressure it goes up to. I don't possess a means of testing it.
And It's still mystery as to when this pump was produced. I can't find any info on it other than others without a folding handle just saying "Vintage". I can't find anything on the company, at least not online. If you have any knowledge about this hand pump, please share it with me in the comments. Thnx
For those interested I added this restoration project to my blog with a bunch more pics of both before, during and after the restoration as well as some details about the restoration process. The link is below if you care to take a gander.
http://ccanade.blogspot.com/2019/08/vintage-folding-air-pump-restored.html
Cheers...
The following links to Google Books may help you in your quest:
For Micromatic Products in Los Angeles:
https://www.google.com/search?biw=1280&bih=646&tbm=bks&ei=4Ew_XYDgCIK4tQbTt4a4Dw&q=%22Micromatic+Products%22+%22Los+angeles%22+&oq=%22Micromatic+Products%22+%22Los+angeles%22+&gs_l=psy-ab.3...86312.86312.0.86548.1.1.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..1.0.0....0.hsRnaienXtQ
and for the name, city, and product all in one search, we get two listings here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22Micromatic+Products%22+%22Los+angeles%22+%22pump%22&source=lnms&tbm=bks&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjv58KT8trjAhVWK80KHevtBSQQ_AUIFygB&biw=1280&bih=646
Thank you RacAtac.
I'll have wait till I get on a computer since on my cell it's only showing a tiny snippet, I can't see the page in full.
At least we know they were around in 1945 from what I could read. I don't know if the automobile pump they mention, that I could see mentioned, is the same as this one.
This is going to be a tough one to research I can see that...
Thanks again for the help.
Cheers...