Why is a Barth special? I just bought a 1974 class c. (would that be a baby Barth?) Seems well made but needs a little work. Some of the interior lites could be replaced, window seals are a little dry rotted, just little things here and there. It was kept, inside and has 63k,starts and drives nice for the age. Is this a collectable? Some body tell me what I've got?
indiana jack

Barth Class C's are pretty rare. They sell almost imediately when they are available usually for around $7,000.00 or more.

If you know anyone who has owned a Class C you will hear all sorts of stories about leakage. You won't generally hear these stories about Barths. The manufacture of Barth motorhomes was styled after the manufacture of Military jets. In you Class C there is probably over 10,000 rivets which required two people to install each of them. I think you will find the Barth to be one of the few 1974 motorhomes worth putting a few bucks in.

I have included some pictures here of a Barth Class C that someone put more than a couple bucks in.

Thanks Dave,
The photo's you are pretty much, what mine looks like except, I don't have leopard carpet (thank god) and dining table and bath room sink aren't stainless steel. Tranny was rebuilt at 53k and the mileage now is 63k. Trans is in great shape now, but would it be wise to install an add-on tranmisson cooler ? The former owners, from the title, only drove it 1k in almost 4 years. I was thinking of replacing all the belts and hoses, doing an oil change,and transmission fluild change. Is there anything else I should consider doing, I'm totally new to the rv thing and things I need to do. I'd be glald to hear from the "old pros"
indiana jack

I think belts and hoses are a great idea. Wheel maintenance, (wheel bearings etc.) would not be a bad I deal. Of course you will want to check out all of the other components. I talked to the owner and they told me the only thing that doesn't word is the water heater. They said there was a place for a generator but no generator present. I looked up what literature I have on the Class C and it appears that the generator was optional. I am just paranoid about certain things so be very careful if you decide to put a generator in that cubicle. Make sure everything is exhausted properly.

I bought a small gen set that I can chain to something outside and I don't have to worry about the exhaust gas. Dennis

tRYING TO FIGURE OUT ALL THE SYSTEMS, DOING A CHECK ETC. I HAVE ALL THE ORGINAL PAPERS FOR IT IF ANY ONE NEEDS COPIES. ALSO GOT AN ORIGNIAL BARTH KEYCHAIN, COOL HUH.

Jack, is the engine a 350 or 454?

350

In addition to belts and hoses, make sure the lower hose has a spring coil inside it to prevent collapse. A new thermostat is a good idea. Replace all vacuum lines with NAPA silicone hoses. Install a starter heat shield. New hi temp plug wires. I like Taylor Spira Pro, but any good brand with silicone rubber is OK. Be sure the plug wires are routed free of the manifolds. Be sure the heat riser is free. Replace fuel filter. Yes, do the trans cooler thing. Clean under the carb and then inspect for fuel leaking from the bottom bowl plug. Can cause a fire. Replace the rotor and dist cap and clean out any of the red rust dust. It is sure death for the distributor. I believe your year should have the point distributor. It can be easily converted to an HEI. Use a new gear on the distributor. Easier starting, better idling and better economy, as well as lower maintenance will be your reward. If you don't want an HEI, Crane sells a nice solid state conversion kit that is easy to install. Buy a spare ignition module and coil. Buy a spare alternator regulator or rebuild kit. It is almost always the regulator that goes. Clean the radiator inside and out. New cap. New antifreeze.

Indianajack

Where are you located in Indiana, I am in North Webster.

I would also check the tires for sidewall cracking and age. If an RV sits, one section of the sidewall is under constant stress. Have someone drive a foot forward, stop and check with eyes and hands. Repeat. Use chalk marks to be sure not to miss any section of sidewall. Tires over 5 years are more failure prone, by far.

I would listen to the area around the timing cover and listen for a clicking sound. I had one and didn't pay any attention to it and ended up in a Wal-Mart parking lot replacing my timing chain and gears after the chain jumped a couple teeth. Not fun let me tell you. We became tourist a attraction

Being new to this whole Barth thing, I thank you all for the help and suggestions. But, I've got some more! Without any changes other than belts and hoses, I took the "baby" Barth out this weekend for a short trip of some 280 mile round trip cruise. Most of it on the interstate.I got about 9 mpg is this average? I guess with a tuneup, new filters, etc. I will get a little better? Yes?
Also, I could use some pointers on furnace start up, maintance, etc., and what should I use to shine up the body of the camper, it seems the finish is pretty dull.
And to Charles, yup I'm here in Indiana, born and bred. I live just east of Indianapolis in the little town of Willow Branch, just north of I-70 and Greenfield, Hancock County.

My Dodge 360 C got 7.5 pulling a 3600 lb load up a few hills, so your 9 mpg sounds pretty good.
I can't offer any advice on furnaces. I don't trust them. Especially old ones. We are old tent campers, so cold just means a warmer sleeping bag.
We use a Mr. Heater when we wake up in the morning.

[This message has been edited by bill h (edited March 31, 2003).]

Hey!

I have a 1976 Barth Class C. I have had the "baby" barth for year and a half. I has: 3 way fridge, furnace, water heater, A/C, Gen set all of them original.
the barth has around 42,000 miles.
I have done:
- new tires
- new ignition module for the furnace
- new water heater
- tune up for the old Onan gen set
- Replace the Old driver and passanger seats (the old ones actually look like new, Just not very comfy)
- replace a bunch of water hoses
- Tune up the 350
- new muffler
- new oil
and thats it

I need to do do something with the rear suspension it looks like the spring leafs are due for replacement. Somebosy told me to to install air bags???? is that recomended?

regards
Carlos