I hope this is the right place to post this question. We're in the final stages of selecting a motorhome that will get us from Wisconsin (where we live) to California (where the grandkids live). We've narrowed it down to a 1973 25-foot Barth, a 1974 29-foot FMC and a 1974 26-foot GMC. All are in comparable condition and price. Why should we get a Barth?

Of the three that you choose, the Barth Has the most conventional drive train. Front engine, rear wheel drive. the TH400 tranny is about as solid as there is. Most parts are available at local parts stores.

The GMC with its front wheel drive tranny, halve shafts, and air ride tandem rear wheels will take more specialty parts. even the 455 Olds engine parts will be harder to find.

The FMC Rear engine Mopar powered FMC chassis is going to be the hardest to find parts for. Very low number of these were built.

In my opinion the riveted aluminium body of the Barth is much better than the fiberglass of the GMC & FMC. The quality construction of Barth interior is hard to beat in these years.

The support of Bartmobile.com site adds a great vaule to the Barth.

Just to note in 1973 Barth change windshields. The 69-early 73 are not to be found. Late 73 on are still available at a reasonable price

I agree; I looked at several GMCs (23's and 26's) and a 29' FMC. Those 3 have minimal storage, and as Doorman mentioned, oddball drivetrains. I'd choose the Barth (actually, I did).

Thanks for your input and sage advice. I've been kinda leaning toward the Barth, but didn't want to tip my hand. Can you tell from the attached picture if it's an early or late '73?

Looks like a nice coach. It does have early style windshield.

Am I out of luck if the windshield breaks?

This is 1 fix that has been found. Early windshield fix

Windshield whould sent me running. But that's just my opinion and probably not worth the price.

To be honest ... it did. Guess i'll keep looking.

There are quite a few hits on Google for "custom windshields." Places that claim to be able to make glass for any vehicle year or make. Is it just too expensive?

Check with Cheryl. A couple years ago, she assured me they had the short Barth windshields. I even sent her a photo, and she confirmed (but I didn't purchase the coach in question, so can't verify her claims).

Cheryl L. Bunnell
RV GLASS SOLUTIONS
Phone 888-777-6778 ext 110
Fax 888-777-6603