Schwinn Sting-Ray, the first years

[60sStuff]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

are the stingray junior bikes worth anything?

Not so much on the junior bikes.

It’s mostly the 10 year span (63-73) of the full size Sting-Ray.
Being more specific are the most sought after and expensive 63-65 short frame, then the jump to 68-73 5 speed Krate models.

[60sStuff]

The price of a “1963 Corvette Stingray” SW has increased exponentially just as the “1963 Schwinn Sting-Ray”.

Yes, I’m comparing apples to oranges here, but the above comparison is true.

A very nice Original paint Survivor ‘63 Schwinn Sting-Ray with all its factory correct components is paramount in the Sting-Ray hobby.

The important telltale items that all the 1963 1/2 Sting-Rays were built with are listed below.
1) The short frame.
2) Persons Solo-Polo saddle.
3) Non-crimp seat strut (at the 2 seat bolts).
4) 36 spoke center stamp S-2 rear wheel.
5) 28 spoke center stamp S-7 front wheel.
6) Small deluxe head set (small bearing with small chrome adjusting cone).

The last photo shows a ‘65 Radiant Coppertone with the revised larger head set that’s not as clean as the ‘63 early set.
In post #4 my H4 Lime also shows this revised head set, plus the new stronger “crimped” seat strut.

I’ve been on the hunt for an Original ‘63 Survivor in Coppertone for decades to join my H3 and L3.
Any leads will be rewarded.

[TimG]

This thread is great. I had a Campus Green Stingray with full size tires, five speed and no fenders. Who needed stinking fenders in Chicago.

[Z28Project]

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

[muscle_collector]

no idea if he has any bargains

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

[60sStuff]

Originally Posted by Z28Project

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

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.

[Z28Project]

Originally Posted by 60sStuff

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.

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.

[60sStuff]

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.

[cheveslakr]

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.

[TimG]

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......