What a fun project. Field mice can get inside an RV that is parked for even just a few days. They get in through the narrow gaps on the underside of every RV. You can keep the mice away if a cat and/or a used litter box are inside the RV because the mice will smell both cat and litter box. Just make sure there are no nooks and crannies a cat can squeeze into (you would be surprised at the gaps around a slide when it is not extended). Mouse traps and rodent poison do not work nearly as well as the odor of a cat (even if you cannot smell the cat, the mice can). We have traveled across country several times in our RV, camped in many rural locations and have never had a rodent problem because our two house cats travel with us in their pet carriers. We bring an old cloth-sided suitcase loaded with water bottles to serve as a scratching post to help protect our upholstery when we set up camp and let the cats out of their carriers. Once you get all the systems running properly, I vote you replace the carpeting with industrial grade vinyl flooring anywhere you can. It is so much easier to just sweep away grit and dust when boondocking than to have to run your generator to use a vacuum cleaner for a few minutes. Consider also putting UV light blocking film on all your side windows to help keep the interior cooler. Do replace the window screens if they are faded and sun rotted. If you can, replace any ceiling fans and fan covers with the newer type of Fantastic Fan that automatically closes when it starts to rain. Do replace those florescent fixtures with same-style LED fixtures -- they make them that look like the old style florescent strip fixtures. All those curtain valances and cloth vertical blinds can be removed and cleaned to get rid of years of dust and grime and odor. The curtains may need to be professionally dry cleaned. Before you actually use the motorhome, make sure the refrigerator/freezer works right when switched to propane or replace it, make sure the water pump and water heater are working or replace them and do invest in a much better quality, new mattress plus a good gel topper -- your back will thank you. Get a temperature sensor/alarm for your refrigerator and freezer so you will know that the food has stayed at a safe temperature. Do fill and empty your fresh water, gray water and black water tanks. You want to know if they have leaks or bad joins to the plumbing. Do replace that nasty old water hose with a new, clean one and get a modern water filter for your hose as well as a water pressure regulator. Some campgrounds have much too high water pressure and this can create bad plumbing leaks in older RVs that can flood and ruin an RV in a few hours. Never store the water hose in the same storage cubby as the sewer hose. Wiping down all the interior solid surfaces and vinyl surfaces with a mild cleanser will go a long way towards removing that musty odor that older motorhomes can have. Do get two new sewer hoses -- not very expensive and better than dealing with yucky leaks or a catastrophic failure of an older sewer hose (mice will gnaw hoses and plastic gets brittle with age). Do invest in an expensive 50 amp surge protector and security cover for that surge protector to protect your motorhome's electrical systems when plugged into shore power. If you decide to get the exterior professionally painted, go for two tone pale gray and silver or some other set of light-reflecting colors to help keep your motorhome cooler during summer weather.
Great RV revitalization rundown. You have done this before. An RV is like a cottage on wheels. It's a lot of work and full time. This one is a timeless masterpiece. I hope it gets treated with respect. !
You have a classic coach here. People that owned these, had money. My grandpa always wanted one. They took really good care of this rig. I would leave it original other than the carpet. A beautiful coach!
I remember the Barth coaches. I worked as a repair tech in RV shops for over 20 years, starting in the late 80's. Cool rig and it seems A lot still works. Stuff was made so much better back then.
I was thinking - first check what the RV miles per gallon was when new before assuming that EFI will make a large difference. Also - will you do enough miles to recover the EFI cost and make an overall saving, they don't come cheap. Looks like 10 mpg should be typical result for stock 454 - www.viewrvs.com/motorhome/barth/1977/1977-barth-28-a.php
That thing is a beauty! I'm glad to hear you're going to keep it vintage. Just like the others have mentioned, please use care and caution when cleaning out the mouse nests. I'm looking forward to the next video and future ones as well.
I don't know if you should keep it vintage. As it is, it's uncomfortable by today's standards. You'll need to overhaul the electrical and change out the air con sys to something more efficient, as well as putting in new LED lighting fixtures. I know you'll want to install solar panels. People will want up to date communication capabilities, for con stations tablets all over. USB charge stations. Much more efficient kitchen equip and bathroom. And the elephant in the room, that gas engine. Look at the vintage RV forum and sales sites to see comparable to get an idea what people would accept with vintage and what they really want in modern. Good luck and I wish you success!
After you get the carpet out, stick an ozone generator in there for like a week with it all sealed up. The O3 will kill all smells and any bugs/vermin hidding in there.
I heartily agree. I just bought a used 5th wheel which will be our home starting Monday, and when we first got it, it had some funky smells. A few weeks with an ozone generator and those smells disappeared.
@@GrumpyXer It can kill you too. If you’re using ozone to this level make damn sure that you’ve thoroughly ventilated it before going inside for any length of time.
If using O3, seal all ventilation holes. First job, mask up and clean out everything. Vinyl floors are a far better option. A cheap shop vac cleaner stood outside with a long suction hose let’s you extract all that bio hazard without the cleaner blowing crap into the cabin.
Ammonia is cheap and if you set open containers around the camper like closets and cabinets etc, in a small sort of container it gets rid of the smell!
Loving this Barth series. Makes me very nostalgic. My grandfather owned an RV dealership that sold Barth’s when I was very young. He kept one for the family to use, and I have very fond memories of camping in the Barth! Thanks for the videos.
This is a real jewel. Proof that quality materials and build when properly maintained, will last for decades. Great find. Excellent VLOG and content. Kudos
I don't want to say $600 for this Class A was a steal but it was a steal. Great find and with minimal repair, like new plank flooring and a lot of soap and water, fixing a few plumbing issues, double checking wiring, sealing the roof and you're done with interior as far as making it usable. Gen is an Onan which is good and should be an easy fix as well, carb kit, filters, fluid change, new wires and plugs, then just make sure she's getting fuel and I bet it pops right off. I wish you the best on this and am honestly quite jealous of your find. I'd love to have this old girl as a project because it doesn't need a whole lot and I'm Old and Lazy...LOL You have to find a big ole mid 80's Bay Liner to throw behind here. As someone who graduated high school in '85 and grew up on a lake in West Central Indiana I can tell you with 110% certainty that those were the boats to own if you wanted to turn heads. Good luck on the refit, can't wait to see what you do with her. As I said last time I really hope you try and keep her as original as possible but of course she needs some modern upgrades that could easily be made to look like they were there all along...
@@LifeofLind Oh I forgot to mention it's so awesome that you were able to find all the manuals and personal travel history the previous owner left in her. That tells me the same thing it did you. This RV was very well loved and maintained while in the care of her previous owner. Other than a museum kept unit I don't think you could have found a better set of bones for one of these old Barths. Truly amazing and I'm glad you agree on the Bayliner. Depending on the lakes or even oceans you want to hit they can do the job. The range of boats they produced back then was truly incredible from fish and skis to full on mini yachts. In my opinion the lines they used back then still look sexy today, they were ahead of their time. If you do find one then I'm going to be even more jealous as you'll own two of my dream toys but I'll also be even happier for you and all the fun you and your family are going to have. God Bless...
Well a good start. What you may wish to do at the front for a TV is get a bigger flatscreen. Attach a mount which allows you to tilt it out of the way so it is up to the roof then can be tilted down when you wish to watch. You can also put a pin in the mount to lock it up so it does not fall when driving. This way you can have a bigger TV at the front and it is out of the way when driving.
I love the Barth! So glad you are keeping the vintage look! It’s actually in really good condition and the previous owners very clearly looked after it - especially with the labelled parts, the briefcase and that huge pile of manuals! Upgrades to the lights with LEDs is a huge plus as is getting rid o the carpet - did that in my 1998 Bessacarr caravan. The shower curtain is epic and omg at the VCR 🤣 Add WiFi, etc and keep everything else! Great video dude! Really enjoying the chilled, easy going nature of your channel!
Greetings from Scotland. I have only recently discovered & subscribed to your channel and I'm enjoying the content very much. You seem to be such a calm and laid back fella, nothing seems to faze you or get you riled up...............remarkable given some of the 'challenges' that these old vehicles throw at you. Some years back a friend and I converted and old 56 seater coach into a motorhome/race car transporter so I am kinda familiar with the associated trials & tribulations! Really looking forward to your future content :-)
@@WCM1945 I suspect he grew up without a lot, with people who knew how to do things for themselves. A much better education for life than having everything thing handed to you. And believing everything will always go your way with out effort.
I just subscribed...this should be interesting...more than you know...reason is... I live in fort hood texas area. This past October 2020 I bought a 1994 Rockwood Bayport 454 chevy motor with 45500 miles on it. It stayed up in Illinois this past winter. June 10th...around...I'm bringing it back to Texas. It for sure needs a COMPLETE ROOF change. I'm not rich either. I'm single 58 yo with a 16 yo dog. On leave from work. I'll be watching!
Just discovered your channel last evening with the Barth (it's totally awesome) and am now hooked. It's now 2:30 AM here in Ontario Canada, but that's OK as I'm retired. Over time, I have watched hundreds of channels, but yours is now only the 4th channel I have officially subscribed to. Please take that as a compliment. I've seen Barth Motor Homes in the Canadian Rockies (Banff and Jasper National Parks) when I was a lot younger and always wondered what they were like inside. Thanks to you, now I know and I am more than impressed. Thank you for sharing this series with us.
🦋🇬🇧wow totally respect , for this older beauty queen wanting to keep rolling ( she is a beauty ) ... lots of fantastic memories to be made with this lovely lady . I cannot believe so little wrong with her . We bought a £50K Motorhome , she has had more issues than this lovely bus ... $600 very well spent .. absolute gift .. like winning the lottery looking forward to seeing you and families adventures in her .. take care keep safe , lulu and Paul x 🇬🇧🦋x
I've just watched your previous Barth Motor Home videos. I admire your mechanical ability and your infectious enthusiasm. Good luck with the rest of the repair/alterations/clean up and I hope the mice found a new home. David from England!
My old Barth, that I gave the kids, had a Banks Power kit on it, 454 with a four barrel, headers, ram intake, 3 inch exhaust. Mileage is about 8 but it is a hotrod. EFI is a great idea.
I'd check the polystyrene lining around the fridge. Mice love tunneling into it and making well hidden nests. also the mattress is another favorite nest making ground for the little guys.
*You scored one heck of a deal* *Yes, it requires some maintenance, yet for the amount that you have invested, you are far ahead of the game* *Perhaps after you have addressed the issues with the coach, you may consider displaying it at a vintage coach meet?*
@@WCM1945 as he pointed out in the video the Barth has an auto-inhibit to not let the genset drop the fuel level below, what I seem to remember, a quarter of a tank. So below that you may not be able to start it even if the genset sees fuel.
Can't believe how such great shape this thing is in!! I was born in 84' can't imagine much is still intact like this vehicle wise. They took really good care of it.
PLEASE wear a respirator when you clean out those mouse nests. You can get a serious respiratory disease from breathing in dust contaminated with droppings, urine etc. It's nothing to fool around with.
@@Cloudminster Might be, might not. Not something I personally would chance. Though others may be feel differently. There isn't any way to tell how old the droppings are. Maybe a recent mouse took a look and didn't like the nest and left fresh droppings among the old. All health reasons aside there is still the fact that, if you don't wear a respirator, you are breathing into your lungs something that came out of a rodent's butt.
It needs a new engine cooling fan clutch for sure. It never cuts out. Your trip back it did nothing but howl. Would quiet it down quite a bit. Can hear the engine fan over the motor even in this video. Would help your mpg some too. Nice project for sure.
That reminds me of my 1989 Newmar London Aire. It was old but it was nice. Thanks to you I want to find it and buy it back. Yours is in much better shape. Good luck with your project. Can't wait to see your progress.
I'm really enjoying this series. Thanks for uploading. I live in the UK and have a 1992 Hymer. When the door step is out the brake light stays on to warn the driver.... I wonder if your light is on for that reason. Keep up the good work.
What a RV. I think you will have a dream of car for the future . Clean it up, and like you say change the floor and clean the furniture. This is what i been dreaming for, the last 40 years. I wish you some beautiful holidays and nice weekends in this beautiful RV. Best wishes from Jan in Norway
So typical for the VCR to be flashing 12:00. That Amana Radarange was the best back in the day. The fan is not really a fan. It’s some kind of dispersing fan thing that is driven by the microwaves coming from the magnetron. All microwaves used to have them.
It's Totally Awesomeness.! But you gotta do Diesel conversion. You will Never get better than 10mpg. Was Gas at 2.89 here in Georgia. Diesel you will get 30 to 40 mpg. It's the only way to go. Sale the 454. For the most you can get. Put a Detroit in it. 450 HP and forget about it.
@@nathankoroush7918 with that big of a rig 15 would be very optimistic I get that with my sprinter class c with a tune, 10 to ll mpg would sure beat the 6 or 7 that it gets now with the gas engine and more reliable the look at the school bus conversions and what they get they are diesel no where near 15
@@lutomson3496 yes 15 would be the very top of the scale, down hill, with a tail wind, at sea level, no gear, towing nothing, tires max pressure, in neutral.
What a treasure of a video series, I'm a sucker for restore vids and this is solid gold. Beyond that, this is a rare (very rare for the 80's) case of you got what you paid for. Everything is well thought out and obviously put together with care since most stuff still works all these years later. That was (and maybe will be) a Kings coach, outstanding, subbed!!!!
That thing is beautiful. What a find!! I got a p30 chassis also. 87 coachmen classic. Been doing lots of restorations and repairs. Hope to see yall on the road one day. Good luck.
@@LifeofLind You wont regret it.... I have been a chevy big block man for most of my life and if you use EFI on an older 454 the 700R4 will help on the highway get better and smoother speed and can get that better mileage with either direct or Multiport injection.... I like multiport myself for it makes it more reliable better mileage and far less drivetrain strain too
Shoot the bottom with Fluid Film or equivalent. It helps to control rust. You have a beauty and after bringing it up to your level, it is a far better coach than a modern one, from a quality perspective.
The brake light comes on when either the e brake is on, or when you're loosing pressure on your brakes somewhere. The proportioning valve has that switch that grounds out the light when you loose pressure on your front or rear.
I would highly recommend just scrapping the carpet and I still can't wait to see the cleanup video where you literally rip out everything that needs to go
Carpets need to be replaced periodically regardless. Vinyl would last a lot longer, and it's still period appropriate, which is the important thing. I prefer hard floors myself, they're much easier to clean than carpet, and you don't get the allergy problems. Laminate hardwood flooring, or even vinyl fake wood would be too modern, I think. It's the same dilemma we often have in the retro-computer community. As an example, it's common practice to replace failing MFM and IDE hard drives with solid-state CompactFlash solutions, since they're fast, reliable, and easier to come by than period-appropriate hard drives in working condition (sometimes even cheaper too), but there's always the question of "how modern is too modern?" Sure, you can install a USB-based floppy drive emulator (a "Gotek"), and they're convenient, especially when you don't have many working floppy disks, but they absolutely RUIN the vintage look.
I’m living in the UK not far from Oxford. Enjoying your journey this far and I reckon at $600 purchase price that gives you a flying start! Keep on going -it may all end with a family holiday by the lakes. Be safe and take care.
I love the old 80s and 90s era stuff and this so cool to see it getting cleaned up and not changed to the modern stuff besides the small things and it be epic to have a 80s boat to go with it or even jet skis
Kool rig!!! Many of the components are identical to those used in the 1978 Newell that I restored several years ago. Barth was certainly one of the best MHs built on a purchased chassis.
That is a very nice-looking RV you've got there. Beautiful vintage RV. It has lots of character. I hope that you are gonna save it and will use the RV for some travels. It really would be nice to document that in videos.
I love your channel. I found it 3 weeks ago and I'm hooked. I wish to God I had your mechanical mind and could fix just about anything. I bought a 2005 Fleetwood jamboree gt 31ft RV back in August and you've inspired me to be a little more handy with it. Keep up the good work for you and your family!
In 1970 I worked for a company in Denver and we rented RV's mostly to people who would fly in and spend a few days or weeks touring the west and we had 10 Barth motorhomes in the fleet and they were great. I made the trip from Indiana to Denver and got to tour the Barth factory , I do not recall which engine we had in them but they were Chevys and got about 10 mpg so good luck with yours.
Great project bro! Shame about the added costs getting it home but its still a gem. Goes to show that when something is quality it lasts. I'd change very little inside, a couple little updates like retrofitting led lights but getting rid of the carpet is a good call (and probably very necessary). Essentially, just rock it!
Great RV and like to see you restore it. The mile consumption is very huge, here in Europe you get broke for only fill up the tank 😊 hope to see you soon!
that's an amazing bus, I envy you so much since those rides can't drive in germany - but I am glad you show your journey to us - watching it in an 92 Chevy g20 ;.)
I realy like that you are not going to rip everything out leave it period correct. Giving the fuel economy it might be worth to diesel swap this thing, especially if you actually plan on doing long trips in it.
I had an 39 ft 1988 with a 3208 cat engine and got 6-8 mph towing a car hauler with 3 harleys and it did great ,the frame of the coach is all aluminum and riveted exterior so is very durable. good luck
loving this series! i have no clue about cars etc but i am totally invested in this motorhome and its saga lol. Thanks for sharing! I just subscribed. :)
Lovely old bus :) A good vacuuming will do wonders for the smell, and I'd see if the carpet cleans up ok before ripping out. But it's yours, and if you'd prefer lino then why not. :) Good luck with it - I'll be watching.
On those old HWH levelers, you may want to give the hoses and fittings a once over, or at least make sure the fittings are all tight. And check the reservoir for the leveling system to make sure there is sufficient fluid. Those look like kick down jacks, so it's really important that you are sure they are up and stowed before you move it again. I had a kick down jack spring a link during my most recent camping trip, couldn't keep the rig level. Lucky for me it was just a hose and fittings and not the jack itself. The hose and labor is pretty reasonable. Those jacks are expensive to replace.
@@LifeofLind I'm sorry to hear that. Did it leak from a hose or was there no fluid found outside the jack? At that age, and presumably lack of use, the condition of the jack and its piston and other components is really key here.
I would restore it to its former glory and then take it on a road trip through the entire USA. Living in 80's luxury. Love your video's Dustin. All the best and god bless you from the Netherlands.
What a fun project.
Field mice can get inside an RV that is parked for even just a few days. They get in through the narrow gaps on the underside of every RV. You can keep the mice away if a cat and/or a used litter box are inside the RV because the mice will smell both cat and litter box. Just make sure there are no nooks and crannies a cat can squeeze into (you would be surprised at the gaps around a slide when it is not extended). Mouse traps and rodent poison do not work nearly as well as the odor of a cat (even if you cannot smell the cat, the mice can). We have traveled across country several times in our RV, camped in many rural locations and have never had a rodent problem because our two house cats travel with us in their pet carriers. We bring an old cloth-sided suitcase loaded with water bottles to serve as a scratching post to help protect our upholstery when we set up camp and let the cats out of their carriers.
Once you get all the systems running properly, I vote you replace the carpeting with industrial grade vinyl flooring anywhere you can. It is so much easier to just sweep away grit and dust when boondocking than to have to run your generator to use a vacuum cleaner for a few minutes. Consider also putting UV light blocking film on all your side windows to help keep the interior cooler. Do replace the window screens if they are faded and sun rotted. If you can, replace any ceiling fans and fan covers with the newer type of Fantastic Fan that automatically closes when it starts to rain. Do replace those florescent fixtures with same-style LED fixtures -- they make them that look like the old style florescent strip fixtures. All those curtain valances and cloth vertical blinds can be removed and cleaned to get rid of years of dust and grime and odor. The curtains may need to be professionally dry cleaned.
Before you actually use the motorhome, make sure the refrigerator/freezer works right when switched to propane or replace it, make sure the water pump and water heater are working or replace them and do invest in a much better quality, new mattress plus a good gel topper -- your back will thank you. Get a temperature sensor/alarm for your refrigerator and freezer so you will know that the food has stayed at a safe temperature. Do fill and empty your fresh water, gray water and black water tanks. You want to know if they have leaks or bad joins to the plumbing. Do replace that nasty old water hose with a new, clean one and get a modern water filter for your hose as well as a water pressure regulator. Some campgrounds have much too high water pressure and this can create bad plumbing leaks in older RVs that can flood and ruin an RV in a few hours. Never store the water hose in the same storage cubby as the sewer hose.
Wiping down all the interior solid surfaces and vinyl surfaces with a mild cleanser will go a long way towards removing that musty odor that older motorhomes can have. Do get two new sewer hoses -- not very expensive and better than dealing with yucky leaks or a catastrophic failure of an older sewer hose (mice will gnaw hoses and plastic gets brittle with age). Do invest in an expensive 50 amp surge protector and security cover for that surge protector to protect your motorhome's electrical systems when plugged into shore power. If you decide to get the exterior professionally painted, go for two tone pale gray and silver or some other set of light-reflecting colors to help keep your motorhome cooler during summer weather.
Great RV revitalization rundown. You have done this before. An RV is like a cottage on wheels. It's a lot of work and full time. This one is a timeless masterpiece. I hope it gets treated with respect. !
You have a classic coach here. People that owned these, had money. My grandpa always wanted one. They took really good care of this rig. I would leave it original other than the carpet. A beautiful coach!
I remember the Barth coaches. I worked as a repair tech in RV shops for over 20 years, starting in the late 80's. Cool rig and it seems A lot still works. Stuff was made so much better back then.
3 miles a gallon is fine for a gas vehicle to run off of🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
the 454 will be awesome. Update it with EFI and an Overdrive transmission
I was thinking - first check what the RV miles per gallon was when new before assuming that EFI will make a large difference. Also - will you do enough miles to recover the EFI cost and make an overall saving, they don't come cheap. Looks like 10 mpg should be typical result for stock 454 - www.viewrvs.com/motorhome/barth/1977/1977-barth-28-a.php
If you can get 10 mpg you doing very good. My diesel pusher get about 9.5 down hill. lol. What kind of trips do you plan on taking ?
LS swap it!
That thing is a beauty! I'm glad to hear you're going to keep it vintage. Just like the others have mentioned, please use care and caution when cleaning out the mouse nests. I'm looking forward to the next video and future ones as well.
Yeah, propane weed burners aren't recommended here :D
I don't know if you should keep it vintage. As it is, it's uncomfortable by today's standards. You'll need to overhaul the electrical and change out the air con sys to something more efficient, as well as putting in new LED lighting fixtures. I know you'll want to install solar panels. People will want up to date communication capabilities, for con stations tablets all over. USB charge stations. Much more efficient kitchen equip and bathroom. And the elephant in the room, that gas engine. Look at the vintage RV forum and sales sites to see comparable to get an idea what people would accept with vintage and what they really want in modern. Good luck and I wish you success!
After you get the carpet out, stick an ozone generator in there for like a week with it all sealed up. The O3 will kill all smells and any bugs/vermin hidding in there.
I heartily agree. I just bought a used 5th wheel which will be our home starting Monday, and when we first got it, it had some funky smells. A few weeks with an ozone generator and those smells disappeared.
Works great to get the cigarette smell out of my wife's car. I wasn't aware it would kill pests though which is awesome.
@@GrumpyXer It can kill you too. If you’re using ozone to this level make damn sure that you’ve thoroughly ventilated it before going inside for any length of time.
If using O3, seal all ventilation holes.
First job, mask up and clean out everything. Vinyl floors are a far better option.
A cheap shop vac cleaner stood outside with a long suction hose let’s you extract all that bio hazard without the cleaner blowing crap into the cabin.
Ammonia is cheap and if you set open containers around the camper like closets and cabinets etc, in a small sort of container it gets rid of the smell!
Loving this Barth series. Makes me very nostalgic. My grandfather owned an RV dealership that sold Barth’s when I was very young. He kept one for the family to use, and I have very fond memories of camping in the Barth! Thanks for the videos.
That is nicer than 90% of the trailers I’ve ever seen I would have bought it just to park it on my land and live in it
Trailers and tow-behind campers are usually a POS.
@@WCM1945 I managed to find more than one. Right now have a 5th wheel with a lot of years.
I love the look of it. The color, stance, wheels, etc. It's just plain badass.
BARTH VADER is the ultimate travel RV.
This is a real jewel. Proof that quality materials and build when properly maintained, will last for decades. Great find. Excellent VLOG and content. Kudos
I don't want to say $600 for this Class A was a steal but it was a steal.
Great find and with minimal repair, like new plank flooring and a lot of soap and water, fixing a few plumbing issues, double checking wiring, sealing the roof and you're done with interior as far as making it usable. Gen is an Onan which is good and should be an easy fix as well, carb kit, filters, fluid change, new wires and plugs, then just make sure she's getting fuel and I bet it pops right off. I wish you the best on this and am honestly quite jealous of your find. I'd love to have this old girl as a project because it doesn't need a whole lot and I'm Old and Lazy...LOL
You have to find a big ole mid 80's Bay Liner to throw behind here. As someone who graduated high school in '85 and grew up on a lake in West Central Indiana I can tell you with 110% certainty that those were the boats to own if you wanted to turn heads. Good luck on the refit, can't wait to see what you do with her. As I said last time I really hope you try and keep her as original as possible but of course she needs some modern upgrades that could easily be made to look like they were there all along...
yes, we have a few repairs but overall it's been really well kept, and I think a bayliner would be stunning behind it!
@@LifeofLind Oh I forgot to mention it's so awesome that you were able to find all the manuals and personal travel history the previous owner left in her. That tells me the same thing it did you. This RV was very well loved and maintained while in the care of her previous owner. Other than a museum kept unit I don't think you could have found a better set of bones for one of these old Barths. Truly amazing and I'm glad you agree on the Bayliner. Depending on the lakes or even oceans you want to hit they can do the job. The range of boats they produced back then was truly incredible from fish and skis to full on mini yachts. In my opinion the lines they used back then still look sexy today, they were ahead of their time. If you do find one then I'm going to be even more jealous as you'll own two of my dream toys but I'll also be even happier for you and all the fun you and your family are going to have. God Bless...
Well a good start. What you may wish to do at the front for a TV is get a bigger flatscreen. Attach a mount which allows you to tilt it out of the way so it is up to the roof then can be tilted down when you wish to watch. You can also put a pin in the mount to lock it up so it does not fall when driving. This way you can have a bigger TV at the front and it is out of the way when driving.
I love the Barth! So glad you are keeping the vintage look! It’s actually in really good condition and the previous owners very clearly looked after it - especially with the labelled parts, the briefcase and that huge pile of manuals! Upgrades to the lights with LEDs is a huge plus as is getting rid o the carpet - did that in my 1998 Bessacarr caravan. The shower curtain is epic and omg at the VCR 🤣 Add WiFi, etc and keep everything else! Great video dude! Really enjoying the chilled, easy going nature of your channel!
I would buy this is n a heartbeat. Still in great condition for an older RV. Impressed
Greetings from Scotland.
I have only recently discovered & subscribed to your channel and I'm enjoying the content very much.
You seem to be such a calm and laid back fella, nothing seems to faze you or get you riled up...............remarkable given some of the 'challenges' that these old vehicles throw at you.
Some years back a friend and I converted and old 56 seater coach into a motorhome/race car transporter so I am kinda familiar with the associated trials & tribulations!
Really looking forward to your future content :-)
I suspect you have been exposed to such low rascals as Derrick from Vice Grip Garage!
@@WCM1945 I suspect he grew up without a lot, with people who knew how to do things for themselves. A much better education for life than having everything thing handed to you. And believing everything will always go your way with out effort.
I just subscribed...this should be interesting...more than you know...reason is...
I live in fort hood texas area. This past October 2020 I bought a 1994 Rockwood Bayport 454 chevy motor with 45500 miles on it. It stayed up in Illinois this past winter. June 10th...around...I'm bringing it back to Texas. It for sure needs a COMPLETE ROOF change. I'm not rich either. I'm single 58 yo with a 16 yo dog. On leave from work.
I'll be watching!
Love the coach.
You lucked out Brother.
We will keep watching for updates.
Just discovered your channel last evening with the Barth (it's totally awesome) and am now hooked. It's now 2:30 AM here in Ontario Canada, but that's OK as I'm retired. Over time, I have watched hundreds of channels, but yours is now only the 4th channel I have officially subscribed to. Please take that as a compliment.
I've seen Barth Motor Homes in the Canadian Rockies (Banff and Jasper National Parks) when I was a lot younger and always wondered what they were like inside. Thanks to you, now I know and I am more than impressed.
Thank you for sharing this series with us.
Very awesome great find. I myself would love to find a small camper and do my little vacations.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the restoration works out.
“Majestic” alone is worth a thumbs up
This RV got a character. Definetly pervious owner was deciplined and passionate about traveling n rving
they really where! hope we can get it back to that state
@@LifeofLind With motorhomes of this quality, you kind of feel like a custodian rather than an owner. Preserving it for the next generation.
It's like picking up a former beauty queen in a nursing home.
What a great thing to say
shes a beauty
Great Analogy! 😂😂😂😂
Old MH’s never loose their beauty🌺
G'day from OZ, in England they call that "Granny Grabbing".
🦋🇬🇧wow totally respect , for this older beauty queen wanting to keep rolling ( she is a beauty ) ... lots of fantastic memories to be made with this lovely lady . I cannot believe so little wrong with her . We bought a £50K Motorhome , she has had more issues than this lovely bus ... $600 very well spent .. absolute gift .. like winning the lottery
looking forward to seeing you and families adventures in her .. take care keep safe , lulu and Paul x 🇬🇧🦋x
That CB is picking up soooo much ignition noise and it needs a beter ground, and the antenna needs to be tuned for better SWR.
I've just watched your previous Barth Motor Home videos. I admire your mechanical ability and your infectious enthusiasm. Good luck with the rest of the repair/alterations/clean up and I hope the mice found a new home.
David from England!
I had a couple of oil sensors go bad on the genset, but first, get a can of spray sea-foam and run in the carb..might help, and hell yes it's a keeper
My old Barth, that I gave the kids, had a Banks Power kit on it, 454 with a four barrel, headers, ram intake, 3 inch exhaust. Mileage is about 8 but it is a hotrod. EFI is a great idea.
I'd check the polystyrene lining around the fridge. Mice love tunneling into it and making well hidden nests. also the mattress is another favorite nest making ground for the little guys.
One would wonder how they got inside there. But I've found their little carcasses in places you'd swear they couldn't get into.
Mouse nests and a few water leaks, not bad for an Old Gal who's pushing 40 years of age, can't wait to see the clean up & fix. Well done so far.....
*You scored one heck of a deal*
*Yes, it requires some maintenance, yet for the amount that you have invested, you are far ahead of the game*
*Perhaps after you have addressed the issues with the coach, you may consider displaying it at a vintage coach meet?*
Is he? I'm wondering about the towing and storage fees he incurred. Notice he didn't mention those numbers.
@@WCM1945 In his first video he mentioned he had a few grand in the vehicle at this point.
It's just gets better and better. An iconic bus in fabulous condition for pin money. Glad its found a new home and is now in the right hands
Was your fuel tank over 1/4 when you tried starting the gen set?
Seems like he saw fuel in the filter.
@@WCM1945 as he pointed out in the video the Barth has an auto-inhibit to not let the genset drop the fuel level below, what I seem to remember, a quarter of a tank. So below that you may not be able to start it even if the genset sees fuel.
Can't believe how such great shape this thing is in!! I was born in 84' can't imagine much is still intact like this vehicle wise. They took really good care of it.
PLEASE wear a respirator when you clean out those mouse nests. You can get a serious respiratory disease from breathing in dust contaminated with droppings, urine etc. It's nothing to fool around with.
Hanta virus
Not sure it’s relevant with desiccated droppings?
@@Cloudminster Might be, might not. Not something I personally would chance. Though others may be feel differently. There isn't any way to tell how old the droppings are. Maybe a recent mouse took a look and didn't like the nest and left fresh droppings among the old.
All health reasons aside there is still the fact that, if you don't wear a respirator, you are breathing into your lungs something that came out of a rodent's butt.
I always spray them with water first
Hanta virus is a corona virus. Seriously so is foot and mouth disease.. old known corona viruses . There are about 7 we humans know about.
Well done for saving this motorhome brilliant project wishing you all the best from Scotland. Cheers Barry,
Thanks, you too!
Keep on trucking all looks simple straight forward stuff. Definitely EFi...
Can't wait to see it 👌😉
You are so knowledgeable. ..your children must love it.
hopefully they learn something from it!
It needs a new engine cooling fan clutch for sure. It never cuts out. Your trip back it did nothing but howl. Would quiet it down quite a bit. Can hear the engine fan over the motor even in this video. Would help your mpg some too. Nice project for sure.
Thanks for the tips!
Try an electric fan setup
That reminds me of my 1989 Newmar London Aire. It was old but it was nice. Thanks to you I want to find it and buy it back. Yours is in much better shape. Good luck with your project. Can't wait to see your progress.
I'm really enjoying this series. Thanks for uploading. I live in the UK and have a 1992 Hymer. When the door step is out the brake light stays on to warn the driver.... I wonder if your light is on for that reason.
Keep up the good work.
What a RV. I think you will have a dream of car for the future . Clean it up, and like you say change the floor and clean the furniture. This is what i been dreaming for, the last 40 years. I wish you some beautiful holidays and nice weekends in this beautiful RV. Best wishes from Jan in Norway
You're amazing! What an emotional rollercoaster, I laughed I cried. There was something about that briefcase pulled at my heart strings!
It would have pulled Justin's heart strings if it was full with old $100 dollar bills! 😆😂😆
Great find. Enjoy the journey bringing her back to her former glory. Hope to see all the steps along the way.
Will definitely keep up with the progress buddy looking forward to seeing you out in the old girl 🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thanks 👍
I totally enjoy listening to you…you are amazing…thank God for folks like you. Amen.🙂
dang, that was more than I expected out of that generator.
So typical for the VCR to be flashing 12:00.
That Amana Radarange was the best back in the day. The fan is not really a fan. It’s some kind of dispersing fan thing that is driven by the microwaves coming from the magnetron. All microwaves used to have them.
love this RV, RETRO cool
We had a Old Microwave like that only Bigger sat on Countertop/Microwave Stand...😆 Love this Camper.💔
It's Totally Awesomeness.! But you gotta do Diesel conversion. You will Never get better than 10mpg. Was Gas at 2.89 here in Georgia. Diesel you will get 30 to 40 mpg. It's the only way to go. Sale the 454. For the most you can get. Put a Detroit in it. 450 HP and forget about it.
No where near 30, to 40 mpg, maybe 15 with a diesel.
@@nathankoroush7918 with that big of a rig 15 would be very optimistic I get that with my sprinter class c with a tune, 10 to ll mpg would sure beat the 6 or 7 that it gets now with the gas engine and more reliable the look at the school bus conversions and what they get they are diesel no where near 15
@@lutomson3496 yes 15 would be the very top of the scale, down hill, with a tail wind, at sea level, no gear, towing nothing, tires max pressure, in neutral.
What a treasure of a video series, I'm a sucker for restore vids and this is solid gold. Beyond that, this is a rare (very rare for the 80's) case of you got what you paid for. Everything is well thought out and obviously put together with care since most stuff still works all these years later. That was (and maybe will be) a Kings coach, outstanding, subbed!!!!
When the signal went off on the microwave the cat I was holding bolted and it woke up my deaf dog. Thanks, thnaks a lot!
hahah you're welcome
The previous owner... wow... very organized... and smart... Neat.. Cool man..
We agree!
I'm on board with the sniper efi
That thing is beautiful. What a find!! I got a p30 chassis also. 87 coachmen classic. Been doing lots of restorations and repairs. Hope to see yall on the road one day. Good luck.
it's turning out good
find a 700R4 overdrive tranny for it and you will squeak out about 12 mpg tops with efi installed on that 454
gonna have too do that!
@@LifeofLind You wont regret it.... I have been a chevy big block man for most of my life and if you use EFI on an older 454 the 700R4 will help on the highway get better and smoother speed and can get that better mileage with either direct or Multiport injection.... I like multiport myself for it makes it more reliable better mileage and far less drivetrain strain too
Hooking up water is risky. Best to air pressure test as leaks won’t flood the van.
What a deal at $600! Those old generators are probably worth that much.
yeah aluminum scrap from the frame is probably worth way more than what i have in to it
@@LifeofLind But I'm sure that you don't gonna do that to this beautiful RV
Shoot the bottom with Fluid Film or equivalent. It helps to control rust. You have a beauty and after bringing it up to your level, it is a far better coach than a modern one, from a quality perspective.
I would actually try to find a history of the owners and get some kind of a backstory on it
i second that
The brake light comes on when either the e brake is on, or when you're loosing pressure on your brakes somewhere. The proportioning valve has that switch that grounds out the light when you loose pressure on your front or rear.
i wil look in to it
I would highly recommend just scrapping the carpet and I still can't wait to see the cleanup video where you literally rip out everything that needs to go
I think thats the route we are taking
Carpets need to be replaced periodically regardless. Vinyl would last a lot longer, and it's still period appropriate, which is the important thing. I prefer hard floors myself, they're much easier to clean than carpet, and you don't get the allergy problems. Laminate hardwood flooring, or even vinyl fake wood would be too modern, I think.
It's the same dilemma we often have in the retro-computer community. As an example, it's common practice to replace failing MFM and IDE hard drives with solid-state CompactFlash solutions, since they're fast, reliable, and easier to come by than period-appropriate hard drives in working condition (sometimes even cheaper too), but there's always the question of "how modern is too modern?" Sure, you can install a USB-based floppy drive emulator (a "Gotek"), and they're convenient, especially when you don't have many working floppy disks, but they absolutely RUIN the vintage look.
I’m living in the UK not far from Oxford. Enjoying your journey this far and I reckon at $600 purchase price that gives you a flying start! Keep on going -it may all end with a family holiday by the lakes. Be safe and take care.
Amazing find, really good shape considering the age, modern engine swap would complete it!
I love the old 80s and 90s era stuff and this so cool to see it getting cleaned up and not changed to the modern stuff besides the small things and it be epic to have a 80s boat to go with it or even jet skis
thanks and i agree
That thing is rad, it would be awesome to throw a diesel into that bad boy
and a lot of money!
@@LifeofLind most definitely, can’t wait to see you fix it up !
I wish I had your skill. I’m looking forward to watching you bring this back around.
"This is where they lived..." looks like they died there as well.
Lmmfao!!!
I admire you guts and skills. Have fun with your family!
thanks!
Hey you agreed with me about Efi conversion. I definitely agree it would be a lot better all the way around
I love it, I want to live in it! LOL...Lots of luck and many many safe, happy and healthy memories to come!!!
thanks!
Kool rig!!! Many of the components are identical to those used in the 1978 Newell that I restored several years ago. Barth was certainly one of the best MHs built on a purchased chassis.
It’s in great shape! Fun project.
That is a very nice-looking RV you've got there. Beautiful vintage RV. It has lots of character. I hope that you are gonna save it and will use the RV for some travels. It really would be nice to document that in videos.
Such a fun project. Good luck!
I love your channel. I found it 3 weeks ago and I'm hooked.
I wish to God I had your mechanical mind and could fix just about anything.
I bought a 2005 Fleetwood jamboree gt 31ft RV back in August and you've inspired me to be a little more handy with it.
Keep up the good work for you and your family!
In 1970 I worked for a company in Denver and we rented RV's mostly to people who would fly in and spend a few days or weeks touring the west and we had 10 Barth motorhomes in the fleet and they were great. I made the trip from Indiana to Denver and got to tour the Barth factory , I do not recall which engine we had in them but they were Chevys and got about 10 mpg so good luck with yours.
Checking out your channel from New Zealand. Not a lot of RV’s here so loving checking out this retro beast! Great commentary and detail.
Great project bro! Shame about the added costs getting it home but its still a gem. Goes to show that when something is quality it lasts. I'd change very little inside, a couple little updates like retrofitting led lights but getting rid of the carpet is a good call (and probably very necessary). Essentially, just rock it!
That RV is awesome. I am delighted for you that so much works. I love the retro feel. I’m subscribing. 👍
Wha? That's "vintage" now? Hell, I thought it was the very latest stuff. I'm only 76.
Congrats man 👍 👍👍Really nice camping mobile. It is worth all necessary efforts.
Great RV and like to see you restore it. The mile consumption is very huge, here in Europe you get broke for only fill up the tank 😊 hope to see you soon!
That rig was for people who aren't worried about money.
Interesting. I see the generator is from the town next to me here. Elkhart Indiana. COOL!
that's an amazing bus, I envy you so much since those rides can't drive in germany - but I am glad you show your journey to us - watching it in an 92 Chevy g20 ;.)
G20 was great! thanks for watching
Absaloutly beautiful I love motor homes Coaches Im from uk Liverpool brilliant video
thansk so much!
I realy like that you are not going to rip everything out leave it period correct.
Giving the fuel economy it might be worth to diesel swap this thing, especially if you actually plan on doing long trips in it.
I had an 39 ft 1988 with a 3208 cat engine and got 6-8 mph towing a car hauler with 3 harleys and it did great ,the frame of the coach is all aluminum and riveted exterior so is very durable. good luck
Great old camper!! Been digging your adventures on this
Can confirm, those old Radnaranges sounded like that; though the fan sounds off. My Grandma had one of those, and so did we, way back in the day.
loving this series! i have no clue about cars etc but i am totally invested in this motorhome and its saga lol. Thanks for sharing! I just subscribed. :)
thanks!
Lovely old bus :) A good vacuuming will do wonders for the smell, and I'd see if the carpet cleans up ok before ripping out. But it's yours, and if you'd prefer lino then why not. :) Good luck with it - I'll be watching.
Carpets need to be replaced periodically regardless, but a vinyl floor would still be period appropriate.
On those old HWH levelers, you may want to give the hoses and fittings a once over, or at least make sure the fittings are all tight. And check the reservoir for the leveling system to make sure there is sufficient fluid. Those look like kick down jacks, so it's really important that you are sure they are up and stowed before you move it again. I had a kick down jack spring a link during my most recent camping trip, couldn't keep the rig level. Lucky for me it was just a hose and fittings and not the jack itself. The hose and labor is pretty reasonable. Those jacks are expensive to replace.
yeah already found a leaky one that come back up after a few hours
@@LifeofLind I'm sorry to hear that. Did it leak from a hose or was there no fluid found outside the jack? At that age, and presumably lack of use, the condition of the jack and its piston and other components is really key here.
happy that the Barth is still in such good shape. Looking forward to more videos, and the bus as well.👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Just enjoy campning. I lived on the road in an RV for over 10 years! good stuff
thanks
I would restore it to its former glory and then take it on a road trip through the entire USA. Living in 80's luxury. Love your video's Dustin. All the best and god bless you from the Netherlands.
You are ahead for sure. I’m looking forward to following you. Count me in.
Good job on the video! Enjoyed watching.
Thank you very much!
After a dodgey start with this baby.. things are starting to look promising..onwards and upwards..love your channel
Some genuinely wholesome content. Keep it up!!!