Bucket list

[54shadow]

OK, I said to my wife last night, for my 60th birthday, I want to be riding a 1968-9 Schwinn Stingray, the gold colored one, just like the one I had way back then. Would it be better to build it one piece at a time from picked parts, or, fore go that route and jump in all the way and get a full resto one? My druthers is to build it one piece at a time. What say my RRB brethren?

Dang, I really miss that bike.

[yoothgeye]

This all depends on how long till you are 60. haha If you got the time, I'd shop for the parts over time because that would sure save you some time if you are patient, and you'd get the pride of building it yourself.

[54shadow]

The big "six-zero" is two and half years away, guess that would be enough time to get the job done.

[kensmurray]

What about buying a complete Stingray and restore it yourself.
Kenny

[54shadow]

What about buying a complete Stingray and restore it yourself.
Kenny

That is "Plan B." the prices on 5-speed Stingrays are headed to the stratosphere. I am like a lot of RRB here, too much month at the end of the money. Looking for the cheapest route to take.

[CCR]

I can tell you the piece at a time is more expensive in the long run. and if your trying to buy original paint parts, it depends on how picky you are ... paints fade so a picked chainguard might not look the "same" as the frame or fork. There is more fun involved picking your own and repainting the whole thing but in my experience it's almost always cheaper in the end to buy an original. Or at least buy a whole parts bike to repaint yourself if needed. Good luck and have fun !!!

[54shadow]

Thanks, CCR, looks like I will go with the "Plan B" option. Now, going to check under the cushions in the sofa for spare change.

[Rat Rod]

The prices on muscle bikes have been fairly low lately.

I've seen some nice looking coppertone bikes in near original condition sell for less than $500 on Ebay.

[54shadow]

The prices on muscle bikes have been fairly low lately.

I've seen some nice looking coppertone bikes in near original condition sell for less than $500 on Ebay.

Thanks for the tip, RR. I sort of poked around on eBay and saw rusty ones and bits and pieces for sale. I'll bide my time, still a fer piece to the big "60."

[yoothgeye]

3 days left on this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1966-Sc ... 2c63f7da4d

[54shadow]

3 days left on this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1966-Sc ... 2c63f7da4d

Dang, that one is tempting!

[jwm]

OK, I said to my wife last night, for my 60th birthday, I want to be riding a 1969 Schwinn Stingray, the gold colored one, just like the one I had way back then. Would it be better to build it one piece at a time from picked parts, or, fore go that route and jump in all the way and get a full resto one? My druthers is to build it one piece at a time. What say my RRB brethren?

P.S. I will dig out a pic of mine and post it soon. Dang, I really miss that bike.

Great plan. I remember lusting after a coppertone deluxe Stingray back in '64. Never got one.
But that's OK, because, now I actually do have a Stingray- this one:

I have the big Six Oh coming up in August. I plan on doing some partyin' and then cruising this thing around. My wife can ride whatever she wants.

JWM

[54shadow]

@JWM, I love this post! Let me know how the big 6-0 bash went.

[Tychevelle]

Hey 54shadow im only 28 and I even always wanted an "old naner bike" I used to call them but bmx's were the thing in my day i had lots of kuwaharas etc but never got the one I wanted but now! lol I got 8 stingrays from krates to 5 spds to fastbacks there a blast to ride but anywho are you sure your bike was a 69? coppertone wasnt an option in 69 but was in 68 yours could have been a 68 left over for the 69 year. Was it a Stingray or a fastback? coaster, 3spd or 5 spd?

ty

[54shadow]

It probably was a '68. It was a 5-speed, stick shift.