New 1963 1/2 Sting-Ray

[mrg]

Great bike & info but is there a pic with this article, Gene Autry & the Angles baseball team on 64 SR's?

 

[60sstuff]

Here ya go.

 

[mrg]

Man, I wish that was color!, Think the Angles had spring training in Palm Springs back then, looks like Gene is the only one on a Deluxe. In 62 they rode light weights so I wonder about 63?. Thanks for posting.

 

[stingrayjoe]

Interesting to see examples of the correct pedals used on '63 Stingrays on Chris' bikes.

I see so many bikes and parts advertised for sale with middle weight and light weight model pedals.

 

[indycycling]

I'm reading this post and taking in all the info for the 3rd time - thanks for continuing to share your amazing bikes Chris. And not just the awesome bike pics, but the details, provenance and history lessons. I have never seen the stem tag before or the marker on the stem and the Schwinn fix to breakage.

Just amazing stuff here, thank you and please continue sharing

 

[60sstuff]

Here is more “Reference“ information on the handlebar “stem” used on the early Stingray.

A few photos of the triangle paper sticker.
A spare I have showing red letters and outline.
I have two Stingrays with this sticker, my Red ‘63 and my Black ‘65 as shown.

I also have a few early stems showing another triangle “decal” stating the importance of the MAX. HT.
The Schwinn Reporter information on the change in the diameter of stem and fork tube/knurling, plus fork locknut change.

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I should have added this photo showing 3 of the first style stems without the forged MAX HT which came on both my ‘63 Stingrays and my E4 Opal Deluxe.

 

[Coyote]

Good reference info, Chris.
Are the lengths of all the "quills" the same as the later version?
So Schwinn switched over to "MAX HT" sometime after May 1964 (E4)?

Was MAX HT the transition to the narrower diameter stem (w/tapered topnut)?
Thanks!

EDIT: Based on the info provided by 60sStuff above from the Schwinn Reporter, the stem diameter and top nut change did not happen until late 1965.

 

[60sstuff]

Good reference info, Chris.
Are the lengths of all the "quills" the same as the later version?
So Schwinn switched over to "MAX HT" sometime after May 1964 (E4)?

Was MAX HT the transition to the narrower diameter stem (w/tapered topnut)?
Thanks!

EDIT: Based on the info provided by 60sStuff above from the Schwinn Reporter, the stem diameter and top nut change did not happen until late 1965.

Mr. Coyote,

I think you may have answered your questions by viewing my earlier illustrations from the Schwinn Reporter, but I’m not sure what you mean by “quills”? Enlighten me ….. stem / gooseneck possibly? If so, the stems I’ve shown are all the same length.

 

[Coyote]

the stems I’ve shown are all the same length.

Yes, thank you, wasn't 100% sure the length from the top of stem bolt to the pointy end of stem was the same for all.
Thinking about other things,
here is a later (1970's) stem which has a different threaded wedge (not flat on the bottom)
Any ideas when this change occurred?

 

[60sstuff]

Here are a few more 1963 Stingray characteristics.

As I’ve shown previously, the kick stands had a cadmium plate finish, along with the front bearing cones in black.

The majority of the front axles were stamped in the middle showing the year of that particular bike.

The rear 36 spoke double knurl S-2 had a unique dust cap on the RH side along with an early brake arm strap Bendix stamping.
Both my ‘63 Stingrays and a spare rear wheel I have off a parted out ‘63 have this early dust cap.
My Opal E4 came with the later design (squared) dust cap.