I will be picking up a brand new 1975 Barth this Monday and would love recommendation on where to start or what to look at first. I am a complete beginner in the way of owning an RV/Barth and there is no documentation with it! Thanks for the help!

When I first get ahold of any used vehicle, my first concern is stopping, not going.

Check all tires for age, inflation and condition.
INSPECT ALL BRAKE LINES, BRAKE LININGS AND BRAKE FLUID. At its age you may need to replace stuff for safety.

Unless the vehicle has seen regular and recent use, I would check and change engine oil, trans fluid, rear axle lube, antifreeze (also called coolant in Texas!) maybe repack front wheel bearings. Check ujoints and driveshaft center bearing for wear.

Check front end for ball joint, tie rod, and steering links with excessive play. Give them a shot or two of grease from a grease gun.

Check/replace all rubber hoses, coolant and esp. fuel lines under the doghouse where it gets hot. Also fuel lines which connect to the fuel tank and replace fuel filters. (There is probably a filter in the line along the frame and a small filter in the carburetor inlet.) Check air filter, too.

Check/replace all belts. (The old ones can be kept for temporary spares when needed, if they are still in serviceable condition.)

Inspect exhaust from manifold to tailpipe. Look for manifold cracks/leaks, bad pipes or hangers.

Check all lights, esp brake lights, turn signals.

If these look good, time to test drive! Check out any shakes, rattles and vibrations you can isolate.
Check for no excessive play in the steering and for good brake function.

Tune up: new plugs, plug wires (they get hot near the exhaust and cause misses), distributor (I think yours still has points) and engine timing.

Assuming all is good, we're on to creature comforts and appliances!

Lots of work but it pays off in reliability and owner confidence. (I work on my coach A LOT but I'd rather work on it at home than on the side of the road on a trip!)

Search this site for maintenance and upgrade info. The engine, chassis and driveline are all good old apple pie GM. There are some GM manuals here on the site.

Check out my old posts here, most have pictures. Front brakes, driveshaft, rear end, engine work (replaced my crankshaft!), transmission pan, fuel pumps, carburetor mods, air bags, etc.

Good luck with your new project!

Consider joining us at the GTG in Indiana in late May. You'll see many cool Barths, meet the some of the gurus from the site and have a great time! Let us know, there are several sites available.

Hmm, have I forgotten anything.. (This will keep you busy!!!)

Wow Steve, Thanks for all the information...I think it will be a great help to me!

I might have to take you up on your offer and head up North in May (if shes up and running by then)

Steve
Your list is so good!
I'm going to make a copy and put it in the front of my Barth notebook.
Do you ( or any of you sage Barthers) know where I can get the list of belts and hoses I should stock for my 1996 Barth Regal on a P-30 frame.
I'm prepping for my first big trip this spring to the Merle Fest in N. wilksboro this April.
Don't want to many roadside surprises.
Went out to crank up the Barth today(11 degrees) and she started right up. What a good feeling.

Hank
1997 Barth
25' Regal-the yellow one
9611-M0023-25-FC-2C

Thanks for the feedback! Try here:

https://www.barthmobile.com/eve...813901187#1813901187

I think you have the L19 engine

You've got to have the youngest GM Barth out there...I'm looking forward to Milford to see it.

hello crazy shakespear

there is a guy near me with a barth for sale that im tempted to pick up. if so, maybe we can be barth buddies! lol

hit me up
210-265-7923
jason

RockIt, jump on in and buy that cute little Barth. I have a 1975 Barth, mine is a little longer and I love it.