I have a 1996 Barth Trolley conversion on a P-30 bus platform. It's a great trolley, but unfortunately the engine needs to be replaced. Has anyone had this done on a similar vehicle? It has a Chevy 454 engine, it's accessible from inside but spacing is tight so my understanding is that it would need to be removed from the front. It's currently located in Virginia. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Good morning, I have done this a few times before I bought my lift. I did it through the front. You remove the grill components, bumper, radiator, oil coolers(if equipped) and AC condenser. Remove any engine driven accessories that are easily moved to the side. Then the obvious other stuff, exhaust, battery cables, front drive shaft, shifter linkage, etc. After everything is disconnected, engine mounts unbolted then use an engine lift on the front and a floor jack on the transmission and pull the engine/transmission out of the front.

If you have access to a motorhome lift like I did, drop the whole front suspension and transmission cross member out of the bottom. The entire Powertrain is supported by those and makes quick work to get to anything that needs attention.

Good luck,
Billy T

There have been Barth owners who have done the job from inside the cabin, and built a gantry to assist.

Matt

ENGINE SWAP.

I am not sure what happend to the pictures. Try sending a private message and maybe Steve has some of the pictures.

Elmer, our great loss was Steve passing last year.


I had the 350 engine in ole 71 replaced at a truck repair shop they mostly work on diesel engines, they removed mine from the underside. took out the transmission and cross member, then could not get it as assembly back in, so they split it apart put the transmission in underneath and the engine in from in the cabin. did a poor job charged me a fortune and I had to have the transmission removed and the front seal replaced after the mess. Best seems as Steve VW did taking it out from the inside reach in with an engine crane or make a lift bridge as he did is probably the best. be careful of the seals!