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.

[muscle_collector]

what year did they start putting fenders on them?

[60sStuff]

Originally Posted by muscle_collector

what year did they start putting fenders on them?

Chrome fenders - November 1963.

The first 6 months (May ‘63 - Oct. ‘63) of this New experimental Sting-Ray only one model was offered. The J38 Standard.

This J38 came in 3 colors.
No fenders.
Black wall tires.
Smooth Polo Saddle.
Small rear reflector.
White screened letters on chainguard.

Starting in mid November ‘63 Schwinn now offered a second model Sting-Ray.
The J39 Deluxe

This J39 was offered in 3-4 colors.
Chrome fenders.
Whitewall tires.
Deluxe tufted Polo Saddle.
Large rear reflector.
White “reverse screen” letters on chainguard.

Advertisement and Catalog are from 1964.
The Sting-Ray was never advertised in the 1963 Schwinn catalogs.
Only the small leaflets announced the 1963 1/2 Sting-Ray.

[John Brown]

Pretty pictures of three early 63 colors.

https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/19...-colors.98443/

[60sStuff]

Originally Posted by John Brown

Pretty pictures of three early 63 colors.

https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/19...-colors.98443/

The CABE, the Best Bicycle site on the internet.

Those bikes belong to Tom Mault of Virginia.
The Coppertone is Original paint, not sure about the other two as the photos aren’t the clearest.

[60sStuff]

The Super Deluxe is considered the king of Sting-Rays and the most sought after and expensive.
This S/D model was introduced in July 1964 and lasted till the end of 1966.

This M4 (Nov. 20, 1964) Radiant Sky Blue J36-1 S/D is one of the favorites in my collection.
It’s 100% factory Original paint, screens/decals, seat, chrome and both dated tires.

The cherry on top is the Overdrive 2-speed Automatic rear hub.
This Bendix Overdrive Blueband was a new option at the start of 1965 and designed for the Sting-Ray only.
Just like the automobile, at the end of a year you may see Nov./Dec. models having the next year offerings.
Such is the case with this very late ‘64 S/D having the New ‘65 option Blueband hub.

The model number J36-1 designates Black wall tires (Yellow Oval Slik) and 2-speed Automatic rear hub. The Best of both worlds when it comes to the early Sting-Rays.

Some Great advertising from Bendix used for this rear hub.

[Crush]

Originally Posted by 60sStuff

The Super Deluxe is considered the king of Sting-Rays and the most sought after and expensive.
This S/D model was introduced in July 1964 and lasted till the end of 1966.

This M4 (Nov. 20, 1964) Radiant Sky Blue J36-1 S/D is one of the favorites in my collection.
It’s 100% factory Original paint, screens/decals, seat, chrome and both dated tires.

The cherry on top is the Overdrive 2-speed Automatic rear hub.
This Bendix Overdrive Blueband was a new option at the start of 1965 and designed for the Sting-Ray only.
Just like the automobile, at the end of a year you may see Nov./Dec. models having the next year offerings.
Such is the case with this very late ‘64 S/D having the New ‘65 option Blueband hub.

The model number J36-1 designates Black wall tires (Yellow Oval Slik) and 2-speed Automatic rear hub. The Best of both worlds when it comes to the early Sting-Rays.

Some Great advertising from Bendix used for this rear hub.

How long have you owned this one and when did you start collecting.
The Schwinn by dad bought me in 68/69 was this color with the 3 spd shifter. Do you have any of those?

[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.

[60sStuff]

Originally Posted by Crush

How long have you owned this one and when did you start collecting.
The Schwinn by dad bought me in 68/69 was this color with the 3 spd shifter. Do you have any of those?

Crush,
I purchase this Sky Blue M4 S/D a couple years ago along with a BA Opal Violet S/D.

An old Schwinn Stingray collector friend of mine needed money for a Porsche 356 resto he is doing.

I’ve been collecting these Stingrays for about 30 years.

No 68/69 shifter bikes in my collection. I try to lean towards the early bikes.

Thanks, Chris