I am new to the motorhome life. My father gave me this Barth, that appears to be in fair to good shape. Engine has a knock, generator belt slips, AC doesn't work all that great and refer, rear brakes and tires may need replacement. It's presently in Iowa and has been under a cover unused for the past 3-4 years. I am in Colorado Springs and want to bring it back out here in March or April of this year. Can anyone out there advise me on where I can gather additional information of mechanical and cosmetic repair/restoration of this specific year and model vehicle? As a family heirloom, I don't have the heart to trade it in on a new one and I want to use it out here in the Rockies if its systems and interior can be at least restored to reliable, attractive and comfortable. Any assistance will be most appreciated. Thanks and hope to see you out on the road or at the Barth gatherings.

Ken

IMHO, Barth coaches have no peer in the quality of their construction. Though most were built to a customer's specification, there's little variation but size in the basic coach body. Drive trains, accessories, and appliances are all standard off-the-shelf items, which makes refurbishment and repair easier, but no less costly.

In your shoes, wishing to keep a family heirloom and use it, I'd have the mechanicals checked out in Iowa, and brought to a safe level before you embark on a drive back to Colorado Springs. There you can take your own sweet time finishing off the cosmetics, upgrading appliances if necessary, etc.

The more you can do yourself the less it will cost, but even if you hire work done, you'll spend less, and have a better product than anything you could buy for an equivalent amount, and you'll have your dad's coach.

quote:

Originally posted by Ken Pell, Jr.:
Can anyone out there advise me on where I can gather additional information of mechanical and cosmetic repair/restoration of this specific year and model vehicle?

Ken

Ummmmmm.......exactly which specific year and model is that?

Ithink it is a1984 Barth Regal 28 ft 27000 0rginal miles. hard to belive engine has a problem unless its old fuel. or wiring.
Lloyd

Correct, it's a 1984 Regal, 28 footer with 27,000 original miles.

These guys know a ton but in my experience, assuming this is a P30 454 gasser, air bags in the suspension need checking, and all rubber brake lines need checking and probably replacing, as they choke off and don't release fluid back to the reservoir and you'll think the calipers are sticking. If the fridge smells of ammonia it will need rebuilding or preferably replacing. A 2 way Dometic should run about a grand. I deal with Campers World when it comes to big ticket items. You'll get plenty of opinions from the rest of the guys here. All good stuff!!

Welcome to the forum!

Unfortunately, sitting unused is very hard on machinery. Its being a family heirloom aside (one of the few motorhomes of that vintage that would be worth keeping), you'd not find a better one, but realistically, expect to spend at least a couple of thousand dollars to get it road-ready - and that's optimistic.


This is only a partial list (in addition to what Danny suggested):

1. New tires
2. New belts and hoses
3. New A/C compressor (and kit to convert to R134a)
4. Change all fluids - engine oil and transmission, power steering, differential, and brake fluids (brake system should also be flushed). Engine oil should then be changed every 1,000 miles for first three intervals.
Also change the generator oil. Flush and refill engine coolant.
5. Pull all the wheels and check brake pads and drums/rotors.
6. Repack front wheel bearings.
7. Check propane lines and appliances for leaks and operability.
8. Tune engine: New points (if equipped), plugs, distributor cap and rotor, new spark plug wires. (After determining what's causing the knock - that's never a comforting sound, nor should it be ignored).
9. Lubricate all chassis grease fittings. Inspect front end components for deterioration or wear.

Join Good Sams or Family Motor Coach Association and get the Roadside Assistance.

Plan to spend a few days road testing before heading for Colorado.

Rest assured that a Barth is worth spending money on; not many 22 year-old motorhomes are.

Thanks Danny and Rusty for the great tips. Most helpful. I expected to put out about 5K just as an estimate and most of what you have described pretty much confirmed that. I already have AAA RV Plus for my car and motorcycles for roadside assistance but I'll check into the others as well. Any ideas on insurance costs? Keep the great info coming!

Ken

BTW, if anyone can recommend a reputable RV repair/service center in eastern Iowa or Western Illinois near the Quad Cities (Davenport/Moline/Rock Island/Bettendorf) I would appreciate the lead. Thanks!

The guy who runs the Barthrangers.org website Morrie Couthern is from Davenport, I bet he would have some suggestions. www.barthrangers.org

I would recommend Lassoe RV near Anamosa, Iowa. They are out in the middle of a cornfield, but have been in business forever. Kind of a "Field of Dreams" thing.

Thanks Dave and Tom. Good leads I'll try to chase down. Looks like whatever dealer I find may have some major work ahead of 'em.

The conversion can be done at any repair shop certified for A/C. Usually, the only parts are replacement schrader valves, about $10 + labor. The system has to be drained of R-12, flushed, evacuated, and filled with R-134a and the special oil it requires.

Barth Faithful. Need your advice again! I need to replace the batteries on my '84 Barth Regal. Can you tell me what type, size and recommed a reliable manufacturer? Your assistance is MOST appreciated.

Ken

I would consider replacing the tires if it's been stored for that long. My '77 had split rims and the tire folks wouldn't touch them. I put new air bags on the front coil springs, got an alignment, bought 6 wheels and then replaced the tires. I would also consider having the brake fluid changed and the brake pad wear checked while the tires are off.