63-64 Sting-Ray!

[60sstuff]

STING-RAY, the early years.

The following photos are either 1963 or ‘64 Schwinn Stingrays.
All seem to show the short frame, 36 spoke rear wheel and the square back seat strut.

1) illustration of a early Flamboyant Lime J38.
2) Nov. ‘63 Original Survivor.
3) My Three Sons piled on a Flam Lime for a TV guide cover.
4) An old classic photo that is probably from a Southern California beach scene.
A young lady on a short frame Lime J38 next to a guy on a shorty Coppertone with the square back strut and possibly a front caliper brake.

 

[indycycling]

Cool pics Chris - I've seen the young lady pic before, believe she is cruising along the strand at Hermosa Beach, CA

 

[sworley]

Super cool content!

 

[Livmojoe]

@60sstuff Chris, I see your ‘63/‘64 early Sting Ray post seems to have a lime theme, yet the Raquel Welch riding an early Sting Ray in the shore break pic also comes to mind. Looks like a shorty Opal.

 

[Gordon]

This is my coppertone purchased from the original owner. Frame is a 1964 (April I think) and it has a 1963 sissybar and the crank is dated 1963.

 

[60sstuff]

Another Flamboyant Lime.
All Original H4 J39 6.

 

[geosbike]

very kool

 

[WillWork4Parts]

Another Flamboyant Lime.
All Original H4 J39 6.

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....with a 36h Redband Automatic Kickback??

 

[indycycling]

Very cool dealer add on using the correct 36 spoke S2 and documented, love that. @60sstuff - I believe you mentioned in the past that the $10 dealer add on for 64 would have been the red band 2 speed, correct? My January 65 Reporter article introduces the new blue and yellow band 2 speeds - thanks!

 

[60sstuff]

....with a 36h Redband Automatic Kickback??

Yes Sir, 36 hole 3 Redband Hub was on this ‘64 J39 Stingray when I purchased it in 2006.
Seems Gary wanted a 2 speed on his bike for an additional $10.
From the purchase date (11-5-64) it’s possible the New ‘65 Blueband may have been advertised by Reliable Bicycle Shop, but not in stock yet ??

The 28 hole 3 Blueband Overdrive hub with front caliper brake designed for the Stingray was first offered at the beginning of the ‘65 model year.

Below are poor quality photos I saved from that 2006 auction showing the 36 hole Redband.
Also a couple photos showing a 36 Redband hub (not mine).
I elected to install the factory coaster brake hub during the maintenance and cleaning of this bike.