Hey guys just picked this up in Ohio last week.

Welcome to the Forums! I resized and relocated your photo to our Barth Photobucket.

Note that we have a major Barth get-together in Goshen, IN, in late May (our 3rd biennial), near the old Barth factory. Many of the Barth family and former employees will be there.

That's an awesome Barth. Love the green stripe. What a fun ride.. Congrats and I hope it brings you years of enjoyment.

Cheers
Meric

Thanks but Im having some exhaust issues. Somehow exhaust fumes are coming through the doghouse and into the cab. Probably a leaking manifold? I woke up last night with a brutal headache and nausea. Ive got 2 CO sensors but of course the were off.

Way cool. Glad to see the 454s still running along.

There are many upgrades possible for ignition, fuel, suspension, and exhaust.

As for exhaust, the stock cast iron manifolds where notorious for cracks and leaks. Inspect carefully. If defective, I highly recommend Thorley replacement headers. Well made, bolt right in, slight improvement in performance.

Search the site, you can find lots of 454 and P30 stuff on the site. Good luck.

I can only assume exhaust is leaking from the manifold due to it's age. If it was me I would take to your local exhaust shop and have them give you options. Exhaust work is hard without the right tools.

Or take a piece of toilet paper on a stick and wave it around exhaust seams to find the leak. Easier when cold.

If you have some good mechanical skills replace the manifolds yourself. Generally you will notice a power increase with headers. You may also be surprised at the relatively low cost if you are able to replace the headers yourself and have a shop finish..

I put headers on a hot rod truck and had an exhaust shop finish the job. It cost me under 500 bucks for dual exhaust from the headers back. The headers them self were 200 bucks or so. Headers are typically less than replacement stock manifolds.

Cheers
Meric

Justin, cracked (cast) manifolds are very common with the 454 in motorhomes. Although it is possible to weld/repair them, Meric's suggestion is a better long range remedy.

Congrats on the new rig! She's a beaut! Cant wait to find one for myself

I also am a new member. My husband and I are considering purchasing a 1977 30' (31'?)--driving out to see it this weekend. Wondering if this is a big mistake LOL.
Was happy to find this site as there is TONS of useful info.

The Barth we are considering guy is asking 4k. Says it runs great but has been sitting for a year. Needs a compartment battery and generator cleaned. New tires and battery in 2012. New transmission in 2010 or so. The pics look great adn it has all the manuals.
He says everything works great and it runs well.
(which we will find out if we buy it because it will be a two hour ride home if we do the deal)

What we like about the Barth is the construction---seems like something worth putting money into it to make it as good as we need it to be for travel.

Any suggestions, feedback welcome -- we are going to be new to the whole rving thing as well but thought this model met our criteria for weekend trips and vacations with an eye on retirement in the next few years.

Is this a decent model- any bugaboos to look for?
Price seems fair?

thanks in advance for helpful tips!

Take the buyers checklist with you, it is at the top of the list on the Coaches for Sale-Forum. Beyond that there are tons on posts on improving ride and handling of the various coaches. Good luck

Welcome to the Forums!

Check all the fluid levels, belts, and hoses.

It would be a good idea to join FMCA or Good Sam and sign up for the road service.

THANKYOU ccctimtation--- printed out the check list!