I purchased this bike from the original owner. Boy was it an adventure. I received a phone call

from an individual and he said he had a mint orange krate that he wanted to sell.  He was about 300 miles from my current location.  Needless to say I was excited but hesitant because he lived so far away.  Every non-collector says their bike is mint if it is complete.   I took a chance and made the drive.  The person selling the bike didn't have a car so I had to meet his neighbor at the local super market and follow her back to the house.  I waited.  Finally the lady pulls up and I follow her back to the local trailer park.  I was already nervous that I was going to find some huffy dressed in house paint orange.  This made it worse.  I thanked the lady and knock on the trailer door.  A scruffy looking man opened the door.  He seemed friendly.  Right away I saw the bike in the middle of the living room.  It was covered with a sheet.   The man then wanted to do a little role playing which caught me off guard. I knew I needed to maintain composure and play it cool.   So he says, "what can I help you with.".  I figured I would play along, anything to get the damn bike.  "I come to buy an orange krate," I said, feeling corny as hell.  "Well I have one for $300," he replied.  "Go take a look."  I approached the bike anxiously and  removed the cover.  I breathed a sigh of relief after what  I saw.  A complete 1970 orange. It looked a little dirty and I knew I would at least double my money and have enough to restore the 68 orange I was working on.  I paid the man and we had some strange conversations.  The guy was nice but freaked me out.  I got the bike in my car and made the trek back home.  I would often look back at the bike and smile.  At that time I was a stingray collector and this was the jackpot.  Once I got home I began to clean the bike and couldn't believe what great condition it was in.  Every date code and part was original.  It even had the sparkle orange grips.  Being the purist that I am, I decided to keep the bicycle because of its condition and sell the restoration I was working on.  Everything down to the tires are original.  I would rate it a strong 9. The only thing it is missing is the stingray tag on the seat. It has been the one bike that has stayed with me.  However, my interests have now turned to prewars and I often think about trading it.  I struggle with the decision.  Enjoy the images.