As of the end of the week, we will be the proud owners of a 1989 Barth Regency, 36'. The exterior is in terrific shape with the exception of the roof, where oxidation detracts. The present owner has refinishing (not sure that's the right term) all arranged. Mechanically, this is one sound coach. Buying it from a gentlemen whose runs a highly reputable diesel repair business.

The interior is, well, yuk best describes it. Qualify this by saying the quality is there, but after having been lived in by a bachelor (not the current owner)it suffers from benign neglect. Seems he had am aversion to vacuum cleaners or wasn't aware of the technology. The good news is that we're actually glad to find a coach with opportunity for cosmetic work for several reasons. It's a decorating challenge, the price (17,500) allows for upgrades and we can give it our personality and preferences (as budget allows, of course). Carpet will be replaced, as will the furniture. But, first a thorough cleaning that will involve lots of elbow grease.

The cherry wood, and lots of it, in this coach is incredibly high end. A cleaning and polish will bring it back to a beautiful patina. In a couple of places where that's more iffy, it's solid wood, so sanding and refinishing is an option.

There's much to be done, but again cosmetic. Any ideas for redecorating would be appreciated, especially on the lighting, wall refinishing, redoing the vinyl ceiling (in tact, just preference) and kitchen and bath modernization side (mainly counter tops - thinking of a granite veneer). Someday a new shower.

As a side note, we bought this coach from a wonderful gentlemen, totally honest, knowledge of mechanics, especially on big rigs, and most accommodating. Unfortunately due to health issues, he's not going to be able to use the motorhome. Just goes to show that there are terrific people out there that you can meet in the most unexpected settings.

I'm sure we'll be posting lots of questions and seeking input. Long post I know, but we're excited novices and wanted to share our good fortune which a group that could appreciate the coach we bought. We spent several years looking for an older Bluebird because of their mechanical integrity, safety and build quality. But, when I just happened to find the Barth on Craigslist, we decided to take a look. We're of the opinion that we have done equally well as with a Bluebird. A price tag of $250,000 in 1989 (assuming we have the right data here), bought high end Can't wait to experience travel in this road worthy warrior. We are in Raleigh, NC.

All thoughts, comments, input welcome.

Lynn

Lynn, congraulations, was this the one in Sanford NC? From a Mr. Gordon? Thanks Ray (sky)

Congrats & welcome to the forums!

Might you have a few photos to share with us. Do you have one of the data tag too?

Send em to bill_ny@barthmobile.com if you're having a problem posting them yourself.

Ray, yes, we did purchase from Bill Gordon in Sanford. Hope we didn't take something you were considering buying

Bill,

Will be glad to post pictures as soon as we have the coach in our possession. It will likely be a couple of weeks, as I have to leave town on business. I don't have the tag info at hand, but will provide the data as soon as I can, as well as a picture of it.

I hope the pictures will be a good chronicle of the before and after. No buyers remorse, just an occasional moment or two of panic that we have no idea what we're doing, either with refurbishing or owning a motorhome. Hopefully logic, research and a listening ear toward those more experienced will get us through without major blunders. My husband is retired and I can go at any point. We wanted to get used to the motorhome before embarking on some extended trips. Of course, if our early twenties son doesn't move onto his own place soon, we may sell the house and consider living arrangements on wheels where comfortable capacity is limited to two people!!!!

Thanks for the welcome from both you and Ray.

Lynn

we got pics and data tag under Barth sightings courtesy of Nick and sky

A big Welcome from Tina and I! Congrats on the aquisition or the new Regency! Hope to see you flks at a GTG real soon and we hope you become as big of Barth geeks, I mean Barth enthusiests as we all are!

Lotsa pictures of the interior and data tag HERE

Nick

Hey Lynn
We saw the ad for your coach and talked about what a great deal it looked like. Have fun with your renovation.
We passed thru Raleigh on the way to the Outer Banks a couple of days ago. You guys aren't that far from us, we're about an hour west of Danville, VA.

Wm.

Lynn, I have a Regency coach now. It is listed in my signature. My son was supposed to go look at it this weekend and take some pics of it for some one else consideration. I hope you realoly enjoy it. There are some pics and data card on the above post. Bill NY is our highly trained mechanic and moderator whom keeps this all together. If you have any questions about the mechanics Bill and some other people on this forum can really help on most any matters. You will find this bunch will try to help in any way possible. Good luck and happy motoring. My son lives in Apex and was just going to get more info and such on the coach. I really didn't think it would last long. Hope to meet you all at one of the gettogethers. Ray (sky)

Congratulations on your "new" barth. My husband and I just bought a 93 Breakaway. You have come to the right place to get your questions answered. Everybody has been most helpful to us. We bought ours from an elderly couple and they had not used it for 10 years. Thankfully, the inside is just like new. However, they couldn't remember anything about it. So we have had to figure every thing out on our own(and the help of this website). I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing about your progress. Keep us posted. Jaime

Congrats and hope to see you at the Florida Barth get together. If interested, look at the postings in the Barth Get Together area of Barthmobile.com

Lynn. Congratulations on your purchase. You are going to love your Barth and this website!
We bought our coach for the same reasons you did. They are truly one of the finest motorhomes ever built. Pretty well bullet proof and your Spartan/Cummins combo is serviceable just about anywhere.
Exclusive too! Your coach is # 130 and was built almost 10 months before ours which is # 140. Ten Regencies in 10 months! It is also a similar layout, with the galley curbside but is 2 feet longer and has the 300 hp Cummins, our 8.3 is only 240 hp.
Like you, we also wanted a quality unit for our retirement, so these last 3 years the Barth has taken us to Arizona twice and Florida once. It will be heading back to Az again this winter.
Cheers and enjoy!
Don

When you get to the interior work consider using UltraLeather for your seating and upholstery. It is extremely durable and comfortable and easy to install. Your seats appear to be FlexSteel so they are well worth the re-upholstery. If you are adventurous you can do most of the work yourself. Replace all the foam usually there will be two types, a more rigid for support and a thin layer of foam or batting for the top areas and arms. This is generally glued and stapled and you can get an upholstery stapler in pawn shops or upholstery supply house. The beds deserve the Select Comfort Mattress which comes in RV Queen sizes and you will never regret it. Carpet is easy and you can underlay with Dynomat which will virtually eliminate road noise and reduce heat transfer under the rear bed. We didn't mess with the day night curtains as they are way too difficult to repair once dry rot and sunlight start working. Though not cheap the new fabrics and designs make an immediate statement of quality for the Barth.

quote:

Originally posted by Tom K:
We didn't mess with the day night curtains as they are way too difficult to repair once dry rot and sunlight start working.

We like them, but the rot is definitely their weakness.

Does anyone know of a source for just the replacement material? It is easy to slip in and out, once the strings are removed. The sheers seem to be the first to fail, right at the fold lines.