Schwinn Sting-Ray, the first years

[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?

[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