1968 J39-6 Minty Survivor.

[jrcarz]

Wow incredible!!

 

[60sstuff]

A comparison of two Original Paint Radiant Sky Blue chain guards.

The guard on my above J39 Deluxe compared to a very nice J38 Standard.
Noticeable difference. The featured J39 is one of the darkest Blues I have seen.

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

A comparison of two Original Paint Radiant Sky Blue chain guards.

The guard on my above J39 Deluxe compared to a very nice J38 Standard.
Noticeable difference. The featured J39 is one of the darkest Blues I have seen.

View attachment 1813093

View attachment 1813094

View attachment 1813095

View attachment 1813096

Chris are they both the same year? I know the campus green gets darker with sun exposure any chance that is the case with the blue? It would not make much sense as that darker blue bike looks like it has not even been outside. Could the other guard be faded or is it just an inconsistentcy with the paint and process?

 

[GTs58]

Chris are they both the same year? I know the campus green gets darker with sun exposure any chance that is the case with the blue? It would not make much sense as that darker blue bike looks like it has not even been outside. Could the other guard be faded or is it just an inconsistentcy with the paint and process?

The color named sky blue had multiple changes over the years. The first change was in 1966 when sky blue got closer to radiant blue. The 1964 sky blue was really light.

 

[60sstuff]

Chris are they both the same year? I know the campus green gets darker with sun exposure any chance that is the case with the blue? It would not make much sense as that darker blue bike looks like it has not even been outside. Could the other guard be faded or is it just an inconsistentcy with the paint and process?

I couldn’t tell you what year the standard guard I used for comparison came from, as I’ve had these RSB guards for years.
I do know this, all colors dull over the decades whether it’s an automobile or a bicycle, Especially if exposed to the sun .

It’s obvious from the little wear on my ‘68 J39 that it was not subjected to the outside elements much and probably tucked away in a basement.

 

[60sstuff]

The color named sky blue had multiple changes over the years. The first change was in 1966 when sky blue got closer to radiant blue. The 1964 sky blue was really light.

I disagree about “multiple changes”. Plus an unfaded ‘64 RSB is dark, see photos below.
There was only “one change“ in the Radiant Colors and that was the addition of the Bronze Flecks in 1966.
This ’66 paint ingredient has been discussed here before.

I feel the biggest reason you tend to see multiple Radiant Sky Blue colors on bikes is either the person that did the finale spray at the Schwinn plant, harsh elements/storage, but especially the hot summer days that these bikes were most used.

Radiant Coppertone was another color of multiple shades. There is a recent ‘68 Coppertone on the CABE that has very dull paint with a sun burnt seat which undoubtedly spent considerable time the the sun.

I presently own 4 Original Radiant Sky Blue Stingrays, M4, M4, DA and the above HD.
All 4 look very similar.

 

[LilJimmy]

I'm looking for a J39 blue chain guard in good condition??? My original is wiped out...Might Restore Bike ?? Rather keep original?? Any help appreciated..don't mean to jump on Thread ...Delete it if not allowed Thxzzz
Lil Jimmy

A recent acquisition for my collection is this awesome Original ‘68 Radiant Sky Blue Deluxe.
I’ve never owned any mid-year (67-69) Stingrays before, but this one really caught my attention.

The Factory Original Paint is remarkable, along with the screened guard and fork darts.
Top tube and seat post tube decals are also excellent.
Obviously this Stingray was well taking care of as the 55 year old Sky Blue paint still has that factory new deep unfaded glow.

First year for the silver glitter seat with the Mylar trim. The seat on this bike has several faded mylar strips in the middle but no splits, tears or holes. Seat pan is perfect.
Last year for the Wing Tip chain guard and the lucky 7 sprocket.

All the chrome (handle bars, seat strut, both razor fenders and the S-2, S-7 rims) are flawless.

If that’s not enough the rear SLIK and front Westwind are the born with dated to the bike rubber. The mold seam in the middle of the tires are still there.
Every component on this ‘68 bike is closely dated, including the dated pedals.

View attachment 1810616

View attachment 1810617

View attachment 1810618

View attachment 1810619

View attachment 1810620

View attachment 1810621

View attachment 1810622

View attachment 1810623

View attachment 1810624

View attachment 1810625

View attachment 1810626

View attachment 1810627

View attachment 1810628

View attachment 1810629

View attachment 1810630

View attachment 1810631

View attachment 1810632

View attachment 1810633

View attachment 1810634

View attachment 1810635

View attachment 1810636

View attachment 1810637

 

[The Madd Hunn]

WOW....that's pretty, pretty. I'm a Sky Blue person myself. Awesome.

 

[indycycling]

Wow Chris, another stunning original find, congrats!

Always enjoy your posts as I learn every single time - in looking at the pedal, I see it is stamped R and do I see "28"? If so, assume it's February 68. And are all the Stingray pedals dated? Thanks again

 

[60sstuff]

Wow Chris, another stunning original find, congrats!

Always enjoy your posts as I learn every single time - in looking at the pedal, I see it is stamped R and do I see "28"? If so, assume it's February 68. And are all the Stingray pedals dated? Thanks again

Thank you Michael,

The dated pedals are still debatable to me, so I’m still researching.
I do not see any numbers stamped on my early pedals or my ‘73 Krate, so this is very inconsistent.

I’m assuming the 28 on both pedals means second quarter of 1968, similar to how the tires are dated.
If it were the month and year then the 2 would represent February which is way to early for an August bike.

My HF Aug. 1970 Pea Picker has a 20 (2nd 1/4 of 1970) on both bow pedals. Still debatable.

Ask the FB professionals about pedal dates and get back to me.

Thanks, Chris