Here's my Sting-Ray I got new in 1967 for my 11th B'Day. All original except for tires and seat. I believe the rear seat bracket is the original, but I did have a couple of different sissy bars on it in the late 60s. Not in particularly great shape I guess, but it's still around after all these years and I still get it out and ride it.

John

no idea if he has any bargains

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...03468010327151

Hi John,
Thanks for chiming in with your Sting-Ray.

You will find a stamped serial number on the LH rear axle drop out.
Two letters - first letter is the month, second is the year.

Here is my 100% factory Original Sky Blue 1968 Deluxe Sting-Ray.
This bike was never ridden.
OEM dated tires are like new.

Your seat, seat strut and tires are the items I see that are incorrect.

Wow, crazy memory just popped up.......and correct me please if I'm confused, but I remember as a very young "mechanic" working on these bikes, that Schwinn used an 11/16" rear axle nut, while all the other bikes we had seem to have 5/8", be it Sears, Wards, Huffy or whatever. Somehow this didn't sit well with me, I thought they were big and dopey looking......totally silly, but had to share.

Those are two great bikes. John, we're nearly the same age and I find it incredible that you still have your Schwinn Sting-Ray. I wish I still had mine......

TimG, Yes I'm fortunate to still have it. I'd say more luck than planning. Many times over the years it could have easily been rolled out for one of many rummage sales, etc., but somehow it's still here.

My gosh that 68 looks incredible!! Just like mine when new. I do recall mine having white walls too when new. I see the big difference in the seat strut. I need to convert mine back to stock for much easier seat height adjustments. Would make it easier for when my grand kids start riding bikes.

Here's a pic of my serial number. Looks like MB or MR, not sure.

That is an MB = Dec. 1966.
Basically a new 1967.

The slider strut is what your MB should have.
This strut was first introduced around Nov. 1965.