mcm517

New to collectable bikes and trying to determine value of July 23, 1963 schwinn sting-ray. I posted a few pics on another site asking for help on cleaning the bike up and I mostly received private messages asking if the bike was for sale and not much on cleaning. Still interested in cleaning tips but I am now curious to a value. Any help would be greatly appreciated .

Thanks

Chad

tjkoko

Piccies and photos, please. 8)

tjkoko

+++1^^^

mcm517

this may not be the correct place to ask but i cant seem to get photos to load. any suggestions?

thanks

chad

mcm517

Pics. Finally.

Metacortex

As expected. The people in the market for this bike want it to be as original and unmolested as possible. In other words they would prefer the bike untouched. For a bike like this an inexperienced "cleaning" can easily cause damage and will only hurt the value. For the most trouble-free sale with the maximum return I recommend you review the PMs and respond to those who were interested.

OldsCOOL

If you want top dollar to the penny, this is what you will have to put up with. Some guys want it because they had one as a kid, others want to have a prize for their personal museum.

I had a '70 Stingray Deluxe with original tires. They paint was touched up but the chrome was gleaming. I had no problem selling that for 300.00 to a man that had one as a kid. He almost had tears in his eyes when he saw it sitting in the summer sun. I could have gone for top dollar but to me, both parties being satisfied is what counts. I am not a hardcore flipper/dealer.

plonz 

Welcome to the forum and nice Stingray you have there. That paint appears to be in great shape so that's when I use a cleaner compound to get rid of the dirt embedded in the paint and bring back the shine. Follow it up with a wax job and you'll be impressed with how well the finish bounces back. Just be careful around the white lettering, you don't want to rub it off.

The cleaner I've been using is Meguiars Ultimate Compound. It's gentle enough for novices.
Meguiar's : Ultimate Compound : Product

For all that chrome, you can't beat Simichrome for making it pop.
Happich Simichrome Polish | Metal Polish | As Low As $7.99

tjkoko

I would begin by using a polishing compound. Polishing compound is much finer and less abrasive than a rubbing compound. Then I'd finish it using a quality paste wax. 8)

Metacortex

Do that on the chainguard and the screening will wipe right off. This is one of the reasons why the OP should let the more experienced collector who purchases this handle the cleaning.

tjkoko

"Screening..." What's that????

PatTheSlat 

The decal on it.

tjkoko

Then a paste consisting of baking soda and water might do the trick.

xiaoman1 

no wax or rubbing compound until you do a really good cleaning with soapy water.....any dirt on the bike will act like sandpaper and you know what that will do to the paint and chrome.
JM2C's

Metacortex

Not a decal. The chainguards were silk-screened. The original printing is *extremely* fragile.

mcm517

Thanks for all of the cleaning tips. I think I'm going to leave it alone for now. At least until I decide whether to hold on to the bike or sell it.

Any suggestions on a value?

Thanks

Chad

72Paramount

If I were selling it I'd ask 450 and take no less than 400. Being an early model drives the price up a bit.

miamijim

Clean it as you would a car. Wash with soap and water then wax and polish. Be careful around the decal/silk screen as previously mentioned.

A quick perusal of Ebay completed listings suggests it could be worth upwards of $750 and possibly close to $1000....

1963 for $840 Schwinn 1963 Coppertone Stingray Bicycle Original Paint Parts Screens Survivor | eBay

1964 for ~$1000 1964 Schwinn Stingray Deluxe Bicycle Flamboyant Lime | eBay

1964 for $1450 Schwinn 1964 Sky Blue Deluxe Stingray Bicycle Orig Paint Parts Decals Survivor | eBay

I'm sure collectors are looking for very specific features, color, suspension, wheel size, gears, disc brake and that all will affect pricing. Reproductions are going for upwards of $550+!!!!!