Hello, I am about to purchase a 1979 21 Barth tomorrow and was wondering if there are any "Gotchas" I should look for before handing over the check? Also if you could tell me anything you may know about this beauty please do..

ps.. thanks for having me in the group!

Welcome and Congratulations

Geez looks great!! If you do a search there are several check lists for new buyers on the site. To me just check the tire age, fridge, generator, furnace, A/C, handling, power, brakes and shifting. look inside for stains on ceiling from leaks. Excessive rust underneath. You're gonna love it!!

They are only asking 4k for it, there are some signs of leaks on the ceiling and I am certain it will need a whole new lineup of seals and some work, I used to restore old VWs so this will be fun. A couple of silly questions : where is the engine oil dipstick on this thing? I found the trans one, also what is the correct parking brake operation, is it push forward to disengage or pull back? I would hate to drive it home with the brake on.

Oil dipstick should be on the right side of the engine block, just above the oil pan. Some have a long extended dipstick and fill tube which run forward above the radiator to allow checking and filling from the front.

Not sure about the parking brake. Many have a cable operated brake drum mounted on the tailpiece of the transmission to drag the driveshaft when applied. Cables are often rusted/broken and often do not function.

Be sure wheel brakes are working first. (No reason to go if you can't stop!)

Start engine, check for leaks and oil pressure.

Lots of good info here on the site, search around! Good luck, keep us posted.

I test drove it around the block, it stated right up and drove it around no problem. They drove it 50 miles from the guy they bought it from so that’s a good sign. Is there somewhere I could get the manual for it? I looked on here but didn’t have too much luck. Does 4K seem like a good price?

Unfortunately, Barth did not have extensive owner's manuals for their coaches. You will have to settle for the GM manuals for the chassis.

Here is a link to the GM 79-86 Motorhome chassis manual:

http://barthmobile.com/groupee...ide_PG_1979-1986.pdf

Section 6 has info on parking brakes.
Page 7-5 has a reference to the dip stick location.

4k seems reasonable for a running unit.

good luck!

Parking brake in my 71 works, forward handle down is off, handle towards the back ,up is on, turn handle to adjust the tension. in your picture on the passenger side of engine is a metal tube running towards the front of coach, that is the dip stick housing tube, look for the dip stick under the front access door.

Gotta love that shag carpet, mine is orange!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Duane88:
Gotta love that shag carpet, mine is orange!!!

Only thing missing is bean bag chairs, incense and Lava Lites! (maybe a couple giant speakers for tunes)