Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - 66 Stingray & 69 Runabout

Hi~

I have all the parts to a 66 Stingray (3spd/"thumb"shifter), except the seat - bike is not assembled; frame is bead blasted (and primered?) for a new paint job and the fork still needs stripping before re-painting.

I also have a complete 69 Schwinn Run-About, all original with light/generator (not working), with extensive rust on the frame and small amounts of rust on the wheels.

I bought both with the intention of restoring them... though I really know nothing about how to do so. Realistically, I should probably stick to projects with "newer" bikes - and I barely have time to get to those. I would not be distressed at all if I sold these to someone who really appreciated their value and would enjoy restoring them. I guess my specific question is: Are there internet resources to help get in touch with those looking for such projects, aside from Ebay and CL?

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

ebay and craigslist are pretty efficient.

1966 Stingray will be less desirable than a 1967, as that was the model year intro of the Stick-Shift. Ahh, the memories.

I had a 1973 Schwinn Lemon Peeler as a kid. Man I wish my parents had kept it. It had all the great stuff, stik shift 5sp, disc brake, the little generator powering the headlamp and taillight. And I'm told the Lemon Peeler is the rarest of the Krates.

Actually... I think 1966 was the first year of the stick-shift; that was the year they introduced the fastback with the stick shifter - I think only a 3 spd though...

Yeah... the lemon-peelers were quite cool!! I always wanted a Stingray - my friends brother had one.. but that was the only "real" Stingray in the neighborhood. Wonder how it would feel to ride one now?

A friend of mine and his brother each had a Krate. I thought the mini wheel with brake was cool. they were heavy, and were not useful off road, this was pre BMX but we did go in the dirt.
The problem with the bike I felt was that if you were carving a turn and the springer front fork was compressed, AND one used the front brake...the rider went down. My friends found out the hard way.

+1 ebay and Craigs List if you are in a major metro area. If you are in a smaller area, then just ebay.

Thanks for the feedback and memories....:ride:


I never got to ride a crate... but I know what you mean about "pre-bmx". My brother and I used to jump a Schwinn Varsity off a little cliff into a giant sand pile. ...I'm not sure how we managed that but I'm sure the cliff is tiny with an adult perspective - seemed huge at the time.

...and no pads or helmets!!:thumb: