can anyone tell me if these later models are as good as the older ones. THANK YOU SEAN

Better.
Chassis: Spartan Mountain Master is superb. Basement storage is double or triple the Gillig, Ford, or P30. The "Workhorse" GM is a modernized version of the (already good) P30 (was the "Workhorse" actually used in the later Barths??).
Engine- gas: Big block chevy or Ford are essentially the same. Diesel: Cummins beats the Cat.
Transmission: (gas engine)nothing is better than the original Turbo 400 unless it is a "modern" Allison (both of which are GM).
I have no knowledge or opinion on Fords.
The original "corrugated" side sheetmetal is stronger than the modern flat, but it is the exact same metal. Later models all had the Sikkens paint, which is very expensive and better than pre-90s stuff at holding its luster and not fading.
The woodwork, appliances/inside stuff are the same.

quote:

Originally posted by Gunner:
Better.
Chassis: Spartan Mountain Master is superb. Basement storage is double or triple the Gillig, Ford, or P30. The "Workhorse" GM is a modernized version of the (already good) P30 (was the "Workhorse" actually used in the later Barths??).

The only significant improvement to the Pee chassis was the 13 inch wider track front end. It was on the heavier 2000 models. Pee chassis Barths came in low floor and high floor. The high floor Barths had pretty good storage underneath. The Fords I have seen had high floors. Look at the pictures in the Barth CD to tell the difference. Underfloor storage is not as much of an issue for weekenders, but becomes important as the trip gets longer. The Ford rides a little harder, but the Pee sways. The Pee can be helped. Some Ford owners are happy with installing Monroe shocks.

quote:

Transmission: (gas engine)...nothing is better than the original Turbo 400 unless it is a "modern" Allison (both of which are GM).
I have no knowledge or opinion on Fords.

My opinion on Fords is that , as with Gunner, the GM trannies are better, but that shouldn't make or break the deal. Both engines are fine. The later ones with fuel injection will give a little better mileage and a little more power at higher altitudes.

All in all, I would buy the coach I liked regardless of the chassis.

Thanks Gunner ,Bill, I put a deposit on my new barth today, 1997 regal from original owners 460 ford 60,000 miles they had some extras put in when ordered extra sink in bedroom,rear window,pantry,added air bags,non corrsive gastank,gibson exhaust system,trans rebuilt 8/07 new tires 1/07 $23,450,only time will tell, Thanks Again for your help!!

quote:

Originally posted by sean:
Thanks Gunner ,Bill, I put a deposit on my new barth today, 1997 regal from original owners 460 ford 60,000 miles they had some extras put in when ordered extra sink in bedroom,rear window,pantry,added air bags,non corrsive gastank,gibson exhaust system,trans rebuilt 8/07 new tires 1/07 $23,450,only time will tell, Thanks Again for your help!!

Congrats, and welcome Sean. Be sure to flood us with pictures when you can.

It would be a good idea to give details in your signature if you ask any questions here.

Congrats and welcome to the site Sean.

Sean, if you get the data tag info please post it on the forum where we are collecting them. Look under the community announcements. A 97 if getting real close to the end and may give us a good idea of how many Barths were built.
Thanks,
Nick

Could this be the one from Texas at PPL?

Sean, welcome to the asylum! One thing about Barths is that any used piece, Barth or SOB, will require work. The charm of a Barth is that it's worth it - it's not going to fall apart faster than you can fix it.

Yes it is!

quote:

Originally posted by w&bknocke:
Could this be the one from Texas at PPL?