1965 Sting-Ray Resurrection

[RustyHornet]

Picked this one up at a swap meet about a month ago. No idea as to why it’s in the shape it’s in, but I saw potential. I was intrigued by the blue band two speed and front brake. I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I knew I couldn’t let it just sit there...

First order of business.... What year is this thing??? Took a bit of work and time to get the crank out... dated ‘64.

Ahhhhh so that’s what color it was!

I don’t see any letters???

That’ll buff out!

 

[RustyHornet]

So after asking around, and finally uncovering the whole serial number, turns out its a 1965!

My goal was to get it riding with as many of the parts it came with as possible. The two speed spun, but was stuck together pretty well. It sat for a few weeks while I made a game plan and gathered some parts.

Parts bike gonna give up some bearing cups, races, and some hardware.

Rebuilding the blue band time.

Both wheels were completely shot. Rear hub is the only thing that was salvageable between all of it...

The only s2 I had was a painted one that came off a 50’s bike. I had already blasted it for another project but found a nicer one for that, so this one got painted silver and used for this project.

Picked up a repop slick

 

[RustyHornet]

The neck was stuck really bad... Worse than I’ve ever experienced before and I really didn’t want to damage it trying to get it out. Had a fork off a cheap bmx bike that just so happened to be the perfect size. Decided it would be the sacrificial piece... Took lots of hammering and heat, but it came out!

Starting to bolt pieces back on!!

Just so happened to have the perfect seat for it. A smooth white Persons.

 

[RustyHornet]

Finally back on the road! Time for some fine tuning and enjoyment! Best riding Sting-Ray I’ve ever had!

Might clean it up some someday, but for now. It’s gonna be enjoyed.

 

[nick tures]

i would have done the same thing, now just injoy it !

 

[Billythekid]

I love that you left the moss growing on it

 

[RustyHornet]

I love that you left the moss growing on it

It’s found it’s home, I don’t need to evict it yet! Lol

 

[tacochris]

Man after my own heart....That thing looks killer and the lichen still on it is freakin awesome I love it. These kinds of bikes are a good representation of life to me. Life isnt shiny and perfect and untouched, life is rough and sharp and tough most of the time.

 

[schwinnguyinohio]

I saw it at the show and knew I could be saved , good job , just think how much has changed in the world since the last time it was on the road

 

[RustyHornet]

Thanks for the compliments fellas! Feels good to have this one back on the road. I’m excited to make a few changes to it and improve it some.