Want to sell my vintage Sting-Ray, need advice

[aravosis]

Wow, thank you so much for such a generous reply. I have to admit, I don't think I have what it takes to dissemble the bike and do all that! In part, because I've been dealing with my mom's house for 2 1/2 months now, and just don't have the stomach for another chore. I live out east, or I'd take the bike with me and work on it long-term as a project. Probably best for me is selling it as is, though I just ordered the scotch-brite, I will at least very carefully give that a try on the non-painted non-stickered parts. Now, when you say non-painted, you mean anything that's clearly silver-colored -- don't touch anything that's coppertone? Also, do I not run a chance of scratching the metal with the scotch-brite?

 

[Two Wheeler]

Put it on Facebook Marketplace start off at $650. If you want more put it for $1000, then after a year of waiting you can lower it to $650. It might sell especially if you clean it up and replace what is missing. I have seen a lot of these and prices are everywhere. Personally I prefer a Stingray or Krate especially if the difference in price is a few hundred dollars. If it was a black or coppertone Ramhorn Fastback in nice mint condition I might consider $800-$900. The last time I purchased a near mint black Ramhorn I paid $450 for it. This was over 20 years ago though.

Wow, thank you so much for such a generous reply. I have to admit, I don't think I have what it takes to dissemble the bike and do all that! In part, because I've been dealing with my mom's house for 2 1/2 months now, and just don't have the stomach for another chore. I live out east, or I'd take the bike with me and work on it long-term as a project. Probably best for me is selling it as is, though I just ordered the scotch-brite, I will at least very carefully give that a try on the non-painted non-stickered parts. Now, when you say non-painted, you mean anything that's clearly silver-colored -- don't touch anything that's coppertone? Also, do I not run a chance of scratching the metal with the scotch-brite?

The fact that you lack the experience to bring this bike back to life you are better off just selling it as is. Otherwise you will damage it and devalue it.

Check the sections on cleanup and restoration on the CABE if you decide to do it yourself.

 

[aravosis]

The fact that you lack the experience to bring this bike back to life you are better off just selling it as is. Otherwise you will damage it and devalue it.

Check the sections on cleanup and restoration on the CABE if you decide to do it yourself.

That's been part of my concern from the beginning. I know enough about antiques to know that you should be very careful about even considering doing anything to restore them.

 

[koolbikes]

That's been part of my concern from the beginning. I know enough about antiques to know that you should be very careful about even considering doing anything to restore them.

If your selling, do nothing, as the new owner can conserve this bicycle to their liking.

 

[Bradies Bicycle Shop]

1966 is the 1st yr for Schwinn Fastbacks

thank you,
I'm new to this just in the last year or so, so I'm not positive about many things Stingray. But I'd imagine the quality if the original paint would trump the year in regards to Fastbacks? Not sure

 

[Bradies Bicycle Shop]

That's been part of my concern from the beginning. I know enough about antiques to know that you should be very careful about even considering doing anything to restore them.

I wasn't suggesting a restoration, just a deep clean. For collectors on here who can see through surface rust and dirt, keeping it as is is a great option. But most likely they will clean it themselves and keep it? Maybe. However, if you're wanting to get the most money you can out of it, a deep cleaning with a sparkly finish will attract the customer who isn't a pro... Maybe had one back in 1967, or 67 is their birth year, or maybe a parent of theirs had a 67. The people who have yachts and live in areas where the difference between $800 and $1000 is fly poop in pepper will expect it. Everyone else will likely be looking for the best deal thy can get.

 

[Bradies Bicycle Shop]

Wow, thank you so much for such a generous reply. I have to admit, I don't think I have what it takes to dissemble the bike and do all that! In part, because I've been dealing with my mom's house for 2 1/2 months now, and just don't have the stomach for another chore. I live out east, or I'd take the bike with me and work on it long-term as a project. Probably best for me is selling it as is, though I just ordered the scotch-brite, I will at least very carefully give that a try on the non-painted non-stickered parts. Now, when you say non-painted, you mean anything that's clearly silver-colored -- don't touch anything that's coppertone? Also, do I not run a chance of scratching the metal with the scotch-brite?

The pads are copper which is softer than steel so no, it won't scratch the metal. Soap and water is key! Some how this three elements together just dissolve rust. And I wouldn't be too intimidated by taking a bicycle apart and putting it back together. While it might be a chore, there is something satisfying about it and it's not rocket science.

In all honesty, I know if you take it apart, clean it, put it back together... you will keep it. That is the best scenario. They look awesome next to a bar or pool table.

 

[Bradies Bicycle Shop]

I wasn't suggesting a restoration, just a deep clean. For collectors on here who can see through surface rust and dirt, keeping it as is is a great option. But most likely they will clean it themselves and keep it? Maybe. However, if you're wanting to get the most money you can out of it, a deep cleaning with a sparkly finish will attract the customer who isn't a pro... Maybe had one back in 1967, or 67 is their birth year, or maybe a parent of theirs had a 67. The people who have yachts and live in areas where the difference between $800 and $1000 is fly poop in pepper will expect it. Everyone else will likely be looking for the best deal thy can

Wow, thank you so much for such a generous reply. I have to admit, I don't think I have what it takes to dissemble the bike and do all that! In part, because I've been dealing with my mom's house for 2 1/2 months now, and just don't have the stomach for another chore. I live out east, or I'd take the bike with me and work on it long-term as a project. Probably best for me is selling it as is, though I just ordered the scotch-brite, I will at least very carefully give that a try on the non-painted non-stickered parts. Now, when you say non-painted, you mean anything that's clearly silver-colored -- don't touch anything that's coppertone? Also, do I not run a chance of scratching the metal with the scotch-brite?

And no, do not touch any paint with the scrubber. Just use a microfiber cloth or a sponge for the paint. Light pressure, soap and water, rinse lightly. The paint itself is pretty strongly bonded to the frame, just the logos and possibly around any areas of chipping you'd want to baby it

 

[Livmojoe]

get yourself a 3 pack of Scotch Brite copper coated scrubbers and some dish soap

I would instead recommend Bronze wool pads and a lubricant like 40D-40. They can be found at Home Depot or Lowe’s. The Scotch Brite pads are just copper coated steel and will scratch the chrome.

 

[aravosis]

The pads are copper which is softer than steel so no, it won't scratch the metal. Soap and water is key! Some how this three elements together just dissolve rust. And I wouldn't be too intimidated by taking a bicycle apart and putting it back together. While it might be a chore, there is something satisfying about it and it's not rocket science.

In all honesty, I know if you take it apart, clean it, put it back together... you will keep it. That is the best scenario. They look awesome next to a bar or pool table.

Trust me, I’m tempted to fix it up and keep it. But I Iive in DC now, the bike is in Chicago, shipping is a pain, I live in a condo so not a lot of room for a bike, I don’t have any kids to give it to, and I suspect it’s probably too small for me at this point! (Also, I think I’d be terrified riding a $1500 bike in DC, I wouldn’t be comfortable parking at anywhere in that city