The "HOLY GRAIL" of Schwinn MTB frames!

[GTs58]

I'm puzzled a bit, what exactly does the disclaimer mean?
On a side note, I noticed the king sting frames are available in this 1983 catalog, were they actually? My understanding is the King was 81 & 82, although on on a popular bmx site seems every one thinks they own a 1980 king sting, likely MR frames(81 production)that they base this on?
So what years did schwinn offer the King as completes or just frames. I've read somewhere Red or Blue were frame only options not complete units.
View attachment 1764786

Since that was a 1983 publication I can't say what frames if any were made by Schwinn at that time. I know all those MTB frames were imported from Japan. The Cruiser and EF frames made in 1981 and 1982 were made by Schwinn in Chicago and then the Murray took over in 1983. All the MR serial stamped head tubes were used to build frames in 81 and some MR serial frames were also built in 82. Since Schwinn didn't build the frames in 1983, that might be the reason for that disclaimer. Another reason could be there might not have a warranty from Schwinn on these either. Schwinn had their hands full for the years after the strike and the closing of Chicago, so that crazy disclaimer was there to maybe divert any liabilities? Not sure if that disclaimer was on the 1981 and 1982 catalog pages for these frames.

 

[Xlobsterman]

I'm puzzled a bit, what exactly does the disclaimer mean?
On a side note, I noticed the king sting frames are available in this 1983 catalog, were they actually? My understanding is the King was 81 & 82, although on on a popular bmx site seems every one thinks they own a 1980 king sting, likely MR frames(81 production)that they base this on?
So what years did schwinn offer the King as completes or just frames. I've read somewhere Red or Blue were frame only options not complete units.
View attachment 1764786

The first model year for the KS was 81, and yes, the red & blue were sold as frames only for custom builds.

Here is a pic from my 82 dealer catalog with no disclaimer like the 83 page.

 

[Olds442]

….although I’m not very interested in mountain bikes, that was the most interesting discussion I’ve read here. Book titles, old pictures , shots from dealer books and lots of speculation. Like watching one of those mysteries taking place on a train. Hope there’s a sequel. Those number stamps are intriguing. Thank you Gents

 

[Xlobsterman]

….although I’m not very interested in mountain bikes, that was the most interesting discussion I’ve read here. Book titles, old pictures , shots from dealer books and lots of speculation. Like watching one of those mysteries taking place on a train. Hope there’s a sequel. Those number stamps are intriguing. Thank you Gents

Yes, lots of speculation on this particular subject since there is minimal documentation on this frame set I recently acquired.

The thread did go a bit off topic at the end, but hopefully some more documentation will surface in relation to this frame set because of this threads existence?

 

[Olds442]

Not really off topic. More of a case of deeper study. It was all related. I feel the upside front plate is why you have it. Someone ordered one, that one came. The dealer called Schwinn to see what to do. Since they they use a different mount system then us, the Schwinn guy threw his hands up. Just send them another d….. frame. Ain’t worth shipping back.

 

[Xlobsterman]

Not really off topic. More of a case of deeper study. It was all related. I feel the upside front plate is why you have it. Someone ordered one, that one came. The dealer called Schwinn to see what to do. Since they they use a different mount system then us, the Schwinn guy threw his hands up. Just send them another d….. frame. Ain’t worth shipping back.

That is a very good theory as to why this new frame and fork was still in the box after 40 years!

Knowing how the Japanese are so meticulous when it comes to producing quality products, I still find it hard to believe that it made it through the quality control inspection at the factory, and was shipped out that way? But, I guess when humans are involved, they are still prone to making mistakes. That is why pencils still come with erasers on the ends of them after all these years...........LOL

In the collectable world, factory defects such as the upside down head badge can actually increase the value for some, as it is even more rare than a properly assembled frame. And for me, having this unique frame with the improperly installed head badge makes it more valuable in my eyes, since there may not be another one in existence?????

 

[Schwinn Sales West]

I think the real value is that it was never unwrapped and built. It's a great "wall hanger".

John

 

[Xlobsterman]

I think the real value is that it was never unwrapped and built. It's a great "wall hanger".

John

It is unwrapped and hanging on the wall now. Would you happen to have any insight on the frames history?

 

[Grey Ghost]

Ishiwata or Tange?

Oops, just saw the fork spec, must be a Tange frame as well.

 

[Xlobsterman]

Ishiwata or Tange?

Oops, just saw the fork spec, must be a Tange frame as well.

I would say the frame was made of Ishiwata tubing as well.