Is it possible to get a replacement for the handle? Mine is very "crazed" and broke in two. I superglued it but that's disrespectful to my Coach.

My handle is also crazed. Now I am afraid to touch it for fear of breaking it! If no one comes up with a supplier, and there is enough interest, I will check around the Los Angeles area for plastic fabricators to make a few for us. I am sure the price will go down with quantity.

I'd be interested in a replacement with the BARTH name engraved. I might even be able to find a couple sources to do the engraving. I would bet the handle is / was the same for several years and models.

Let me know if you need my help.

Anvilman

I found the original manufacturer for the Barth lighted handle (Brightbar). The are available for about $50. the one your have on your barth requires a bulb that is not available anymore. Yours may not have the lighted option also. If not you can buy that seperatly. This is not the same one that is sold by camping world. That one will not fit. Go to the following URL for ordering info...
http://www.flemingsales.com/html/brightbar2.htm

The lady at Fleming Sales is very helpful and will send you exactly the right part. They also do the engraving. I think it cost $5.00. They will do Barth or your family name or what ever.

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Shortcuts Always Take Longer

Thanks Dave. That's encouraging. I do have the lighted option and the light bulb still works so we'll pray for it to keep on keeping on. As soon as I get done with the new tires and brakes,and get a little extra dough, I'll check into the handle replacement. It really looks crappy with the crazing and super glue line.

Thanks again. I'm sure glad I found your group and I'll be sending a check off this week to join the RANGERS!

There was a posting by "Eric" on July 18, 2001 about the light bulb for the handle on his 1976 unit. Does anyone know if this one will work for later years? I checked, and it is listed as available, and might be worth a try. I hope this helps. Here is his post:

I have a 1976 Barth with the original Lighted handle. and bulbs can be found at
www.bulbman.com
The particular one for mine and I am sure others was an "S" shape #6S6-12 for $4.49ea. 12V 6W

HI gang! The "S" bulbs are readily availbe for these handles. I did get mine from the above distributor because it was cheaper then the local wholesaler. I also need a new handle for my "Vintage 77". If any one out there is an electronic specialist I would suggest a lower amperage bulb then the "S" types but I don't know how to do it.

Just a side note:

When the question about the lighted handle arose, I just copied to this post, another post that I had left some time ago ont he handles. At that time I was having trouble finding the bulbs. Since then, it has come to my attention that they are available many places. However, my new handle uses one of the more popular bulbs, as well as phillips screws rather than the square headed ones.

I will be looking in to a white LED instead of a light bulb. When I get to it, I will post here. It will require a voltage regulator, like an LM387 or something, as selecting just a resistor for brightest light and longest life for battery operation is one thing, but voltage rises when the alternator or solar cells charge the batt. This will shorten LED life tremendously. Ask me how I know.

I may have this "handled"-----I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist.

I bought a 4 foot stick of 1 inch diameter clear lucite for $12.40 total. Last night while the Colorado Avalanche were playing a pitiful game against the Redwings, I did the following: I cut off a piece of approximate correct length, drew a pattern of my "Super glued together old handle" on a piece of paper, put the new piece in my wife's oven at 275 Degree F for about 45 minutes. I checked it periodically (with gloves of course), and when it was soft enough I bent it into the shape on the paper and when satisfied it was close, I let it cool. It looks GREAT but I need to reheat and "tweak" it a little after a test fit. The next step is I'm going to cut off another piece and see if I can get it engraved while stile straight and then bend to shape. I probably will also make a "Jig" to bend to and hold while it cools. I think I'll make one with BARTH engraved in it and one with our family name engraved. I'll keep you all posted. It beats the $50 and it's fun to be creative.

Later,

Anvilman

I did it! I made the final "tweak" on the new Lucite handle and it fits and looks beautiful. Now I have found a place to engrave them for me and I'm going ahead with the BARTH & WILLIAMS (family name) versions. I'd be happy to talk with anyone about this if you'd care to call or write.

Thanks,

Anvilman

"You the man", (or "anvil man") Post a picture when you get it all done.

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Shortcuts Always Take Longer

I have the same problem with my handle. Unfortunately, before pulled the cracked unit out, part of it fell out while on the road. So, I need a template to accomplish the same task.

I believe that the original material is a polycarbonate. This material is a tough material but the UV, heat/ cold cycling with the humidity are just too much for the material. Thus, the crazing. Bottom line, everyone will eventually need a replacement handle. Softening temperature for the PC is about 300 degrees F. So, Anvil man knows something about his plastics.

Mike,

I wonder if the shape and size of these handles is the same or does it vary with the model and year? I have a 94 28 foot Regal and I will be glad to take the handle off and trace a pattern for anyone that wants it. I'll try to do that this weekend and let you know.

Regards,

EKW (Anvilman)

These are the outlines that are available.



My '85 is the one in the center

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Shortcuts Always Take Longer