I played hooky(it's good to be the boss) today and picked up this MA serial December '65 Stingray. It was certainly dressed and sold in '66, original frame,fork, stem and bars +. The sissy bar, pad and banana seat were a real bonus, my guess was an attempt too bring an older Stingray up to snuff with all the '70s bikes on the scene. I have all the correct Schwinn '66 parts to finish this correctly. As quite often is the case no guard, but I have a holder and always enjoy the hunt for better parts.
Well this cleaned up nicely and once I get a chain put on it and some time I will take it for a ride. It needs correct badge and I'm still on the hunt for a chain guard but for now this one will fill the spot. I have a few Stingrays of various years and styles, I very much like these early bars, nice and wide.
I found a guard that will work much better, this is a super smooth riding bike, the early Stingrays are so easy to pedal with that 36 tooth front sprocket. A few more bits to make this one all correct dated parts but no hurries as this one is staying with me. I know this bike is not your typical rat rod but it is built using individual pieces that were not together before this build. I also added one of my favorite accessories a color matched vintage style bike lock. I have them for most of my Stingray's. I also love vintage headlights but this one will not get one.
