I have an opportunity to buy a Class C Barth ...supposedly 74 or 75, Chevy ..that is about all the info that I can get at this time. Getting more info and a look at it in a few days. I'm doing my homework now ... could anyone tell me things to be aware of , look for , etc. .. supposedly the hubby died 3 years ago, it has been sitting out but kept up ... started every once in a while and "runs" ... any and all help would be appreciated ... oh ..the price maybe 2000 ... ?

thanks in advance

Welcome to the Forums!

A Buyer's Checklist is located here. It's a good place to start.

quote:

could anyone tell me things to be aware of , look for , etc.

I'm not trying to be difficult, but your question is like me asking you "What is an old guitar worth?" (I'm assuming from you're into guitars). You need a lot more information on this unit before anyone can give you an educated opinion.

Here are a few things to consider.
1) The chassis portion, with the drivetrain, is going to be like any other 35 year old vehicle and can be evaluated by any decent mechanic.
2) The Barth shell is aluminum framed and skinned, so it is a much more robust setup than 95% of all other class Cs, but should be checked for corrosion, leaks, repairs.
3) The RV mechanical items (refrig, heater, stove, A/c) can be put into three categories after 35 year ^already replaced - ^needing immediate reair or replacement - ^going to need repair or replacement.

So.....if you're mechanically adventurous and appreciate classic quality, this might be a great project for you. If you, on the other hand, don't know which end of a wrench to turn and hire all these duties out, I hope you have a healthy checkbook.

I hope this helps. Get more info as even if you don't buy it, someone else here might want it. Good luck!

Moonbeam ... actually , you gave me exactly what I needed for making a "first Pass" at determining if I want this unit. Thanks

I do recommend you check out the Barths for sale forum as well while you are looking.

quote:

Moonbeam ... actually , you gave me exactly what I needed for making a "first Pass" at determining if I want this unit. Thanks

Glad to be of service and hope this Barth, or another, makes its way to your driveway.

A word of caution about the aluminum frame. True, the framing above the floor line is aluminum channels and aluminum skin. But below the floor line it is steel tubing, welded to the main frame of the chassis and then the aluminum skin for the lower compartments is riveted to the steel tubing which is often 1" square material. This steel tubing is prone to rust and can cause anything from mild repair to throw the whole coach away. I recall a post a couple of years ago where a guy bought a Barth that looked ok from the outside but ended up loosing all the lower compartments and aluminum skin because the steel tubing structure just sort of disintegrated. It was awful. Barth tried to protect the steel from the aluminum but after 20 or 30 years, the material they used doesn't do much. I have replaced several areas of tubing and have several more to do. Fortunately my son-in-law has a welder and knows how to use it so he does it for me.
Jim