O.k. I got 100% confirmation just now this is a real Stingray. I was told the previous owners name and I tracked down his son who confirmed all stages of the changes. It turns out the fork change was because they were bent from the mother backing her car over the rim and fork (also explains rims not maching☆)He also mentioned taking off the Stingray chain guard to make it look like a dirt bike around 1971 or 1972. He says he has converted 8mm showing them riding fast and sliding in the wet driveway with bike in full original cladding.
Although ordinarily I would happily post this as proof but I am not. I really don't appreciate how this "site" for lack of better term is run. I had this bike posted in for sale and it was pulled without explanation of any kind. I have been basically treated like scum because at the end of the day it's pretty obvious I am right. This forum is like all others. You are attacked as someone who is a bottom feeder because they just signed up. I knew when the well known Schwinn guy said don't let them treat you that way BEFORE it happened painted the picture. I feel sorry for folks that cannot compliment or say something positive because of jealousy...nothing more. This frame is absolutely gorgeous and I spent 12+ hours making it super slick! Any compliments about that? Nope. Did Anyone say yes you are right SCHWINN is the "ball dropper" on correct stamping (unlike cars which I am an expert on) and did not designate these models...that's on Schwinn NOT ME! When you have real knowledge you understand there is ZERO possible way to tell. Anybody agree? Nope. Just everybody saying their sure it isn't a Stingray because the chances are just zero from some newbie. Way more proof leans toward it being a Stingray than not. Anybody saying that? Nope. Did above commenters stay on track and tell what it could be worth? No. I am disappointed but know how forums are controlled to always get the same mindless back and forth and the new guy or proof guy or the trophy holder get's bashed. I'll take my bike elsewhere while you guy's comment on bikes that are nothing more than complete and nothing ever happened...just an old bike that was never taken apart. I really can imagine if this was an older user on this forum the feedback would have been the EXACT opposite.
And another thing. At the end of the day I proved it was more Stingray
than anybody else could prove it wasn't. I know it. Makes no difference!
I'M DONE and OUT!