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VOLKSWAGEN MANUALS
How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot by John Muir, Tosh Greg
Reviewer: An Amazon.com Customer
Commonly referred to as the "Idiot Manual" or the "Muir Book" among VW fanatics. It covers all air cooled VW models. It is a book that I love and cherish! It is different than any other auto manual you've ever see. It is aimed at the complete idiot! It has NO pictures and only hand drawings and illustrations. This makes all illustrations very clear because it leaves out all the extraneous stuff that photos include. It has lots of text but this is a good thing. John Muir is an old hippie that loved his VW's. He instills this love in all his readers as well. This book's strong point is teaching this love of your car as well as teaching you the ongoing maintenance. I feel the tune-up and maintenance portion of this book is better than the other books. The other big plus of this book is that it's just plain fun to read. I've read it cover to cover a few times. It's that entertaining! The only weak part of this book is for serious (professional) mechanic's who want a technical manual for ALL parts of the bus. for example, here is an actual quote from the book. "The trans (transaxle) overhaul is not in this book. Not only can't you do it but we won't either." I don't mind that one bit! I couldn't do it so I appreciate them telling me. It covers the basic maintenance and repair (99% of anything you will need done on your car/bus) in a clearer, step by step, way than any other book. If I had to have only one repair book, this would be it, without question.
How to Rebuild Your Volkswagen Air-Cooled Engine by Tom Wilson, Glen Grissom (Editor)
Reviewer: David Wilson from Massachusetts
Tom Wilson's book brings the mystique of engine rebuilding down to a level that your average backyard mechanic can understand. It is as easy to use as John Muir's book when is comes to rebuilding a VW engine. It does not take hundreds of hours to do nor does it take thousand of dollars. Rebuild kits with cylinders, pistons, etc are relatively cheap and, if these parts are servicable, a gasket kit and rings will be well under a hundred dollars. I rebuilt my engine for about three hundred dollars and it runs like a charm. It took one week to do part time; about twenty hours. Little in the way of specialized equipment is needed. Machining, if needed, is usually minimal and not costly. I only have the usual range of socket wrenches and stuff and no specialized equipment. Muir's book even tells you how to make inexpensive substitutes that work excedingly well. Wilson's book cuts to the chase and tells you what you need to know. If you have an average level of mechanical ability you can do this.
How to Hotrod Volkswagen Engines by Bill Fisher
Reviewer: A reader from Southern Kentucky
Published in 1970 this book would be very good for the novice of vw air-cooled. Starting with History, Variations of engines, Bolt on power, Ignition, Exhaust, Heads, Pistons & Cylinders, Crank-shafts, Lubrication, Cooling & Breathing, Camshaft & Valve Train, Blueprinting, Engine Assembly, Supercharging, Porsche or Corvair?, Stability & Handling. Yes It's 30+ years old. May not win Indy but still very intersting for the basics. Hard to find comparable updated info.
Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI Service Manual 1999-2002 : 2.0L gasoline, 1.9L TDI diesel, 2.8L VR6, 1.8L turbo by Bentley Publishers
Reviewer: A reader from El Cajon, California USA
I've had several VW's starting in 1987 and a Bentley manual for all of them. This latest edition seems to have sacrificed detail for sake of being able to cover a myriad of engine types/models. Notably missing is any information on the power window mechanism, not even a diagram. Also vague is information about the removal/installation of distributor cap and rotor. There is a lot of "installation is the reverse of removal" (This makes sense in a purely logical world, but not in the real world). Finally, I notice a total lack of the wonderful symptom/solution troubleshooting tables that have appeared in previous versions. It's better than nothing, but doesn't seem up to the regular standards of detail!
Reviewer: agarc from Ann Arbor, MI United States
This is a must have for any VW owner that's planning on doing some sort of modification... Or simply if they just want to do self maintenance (VW owners all know how expensive scheduled maintenance can be).
I only give this 4 stars though because certain European parts that exist on North American models are ignored (ie: the rear fog light - the socket exists, is shown in an illustration of the tail light assembly, but is not labelled).
Vw Golf, Gti, Jetta and Cabrio Automotive Repair Manual: Models Covered: Wvgilf, Gti, Jetta and Cabrio 1999 Through 2002 by Haynes Manuals, Jay Storer
NOT For VR6 Models!
Reviewer: Scott from USA
This book gives excellent details and descriptions on performing repairs, maintenance, and also has excellent safety, tool, and replacement part information to help the new mechanic famaliarize themself with the tricks of the trade. Excellent for young & old, and beginner & experienced owners. Also has handy conversion table. Be aware though, this book does NOT cover the VR6 engine! It's ONLY applicable to the 1.8T (Turbo 4-Cyl.), 1.9L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection Diesel 4-Cyl.), and the 2.0L (4-Cyl.), and NOT the 2.8L Narrow-Angle V6 engine. For those with a Jetta, this means it will not cover you for repairs on the engine in your GLX or GLS VR6. It is otherwise (even if you have a V6, the rest still applies) helpful for anything you could need really. I might recomend checking out the Chiltons, though their descriptions/directions can be kind of vague and hard to follow. Superb layout (fairly easy to find your way around), and excellent for routine, preventative maintenance if you want to keep your VW running smooth (and avoid costly repairs later on due to neglect).
Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI, Cabrio Service Manual 1993-1999 : Including Jetta III, Golf III, VR6, and TDI 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and early 1999 by Bentley Publishers
Reviewer: sumo300 from Scranton, Pennsylvania USA
This is an excellent repair and maintenance book. However, when attempting to service my brakes, it fell short of giving a full explanation of what needed to be done. All I really wanted to do was to was replace my brake pads, but the caliper drawings were confusing and it referenced one-time-only use on the bolts holding the caliper, which is not true. A little lock tite on the bolt and you're good to go. The replacement bolts are just new bolts with lock tite already applied, and, as long as the bolt is in good shape, there is no need to replace. This should have been referenced. It also did not reference the requirement to use a special caliper piston tool on the rear calipers, since the rears need to be twisted because of the e-brake.
Overall, however, this is a great book and a must-have for any 1993-99 Jetta, Golf, or Cabrio owner.
Volkswagon Golf & Jetta, 1999-02 (Chilton Total Car Care) by Manual Haynes, et al
Book Description
The Chilton Total Car Care series continues to lead all other do-it-yourself automotive repair manuals. These manuals offer do-it-yourselfers of all levels TOTAL maintenance, service and repair information in an easy-to-use format. Each title covers all makes and models, unless otherwise indicated.
Volkswagen Official Service Manual Super Beetle, Beetle and Karmann Ghia 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 by Inc. Volkswagen of America
Reviewer: David Lambert from Florida, USA
This is by far the best shop manual available for the Beetle and Ghia! I have a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle Type I, and the Bently Manual has helped me more than any other book during the car's restoration. It has just about all the information you could need from a manual. And hey, it *is* the official service manual, published for Volkswagen!! There is only one downside which is not a major problem but certainly would help: there's no Index.
Volkswagen Passat, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002: Service Manual, 1.8L Turbo, 2.8L V6, 4.0L W8; including Wagon and 4-Motion by Bentley Publishers
Book Description
The Volkswagen Passat Service Manual: 1998-2002 covers VW Passat models built on the "B5" platform. This manual has been prepared using selected factory service information with the added benefit of suggestions, tips and clarification of various procedures. Bentley repair manuals provide clear and comprehensive service and repair procedures. If you're looking for better understanding of your Volkswagen Passat look no further than Bentley Publishers.
Engines covered
- 1.8L gasoline (engine code AEB, ATW, AUG, AWM)
- 2.8L gasoline (engine code AHA, ATQ)
- 4.0L gasoline (W8) (engine code BDP)
Transmissions covered
- 5-speed Manual (transmission codes: 012, 01W)
- 01M 5-speed Automatic (transmission code 01V)
Vw Beetle & Transporter : Guide to Purchase & D.I.Y. Restoration (Foulis Motoring Book) (Reissue ed) by Linsay Porter, Lindsay Porter
Reviewer: A reader from Ottawa, ON., Canada
If you plan on doing a restoration of a beetle or bus this is a must have. There are other VW books out there that mention body work to a degree, but this book goes into detail for every step of the process. Of particular interest was replacing floor pans, heater channels and just about every other problem area on a beetle. There are step by step pictures as well. The book also covers interior restoration and mechanicals.
Air-Cooled Vw Engine Interchange Manual by Keith Seume
Reviewer: A reader
An informative book but not a first book to buy if youre interested in VW hotrodding. It would, however be an interesting companion to Bill Fishers Hot to Hotrod VWs book. NO detailed dyno tests in this book and it might make inexperienced owners want to build a drag race engine for the street, in which case they will encounter lots of problems as drag engines are not meant for street use. Nice to have though.
VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia 1954 through 1979 All Models (Hayne's Repair Manual) by John Harold Haynes, D. M. Stead
Reviewer: A reader from Ocklawaha, Florida United States
This is a great book for the Do-it your self, back yard, VW mechanic. Information is easy to find and easy to use. This book has full wiring diagrams. They were color coded at one time, but the black and white version is still quite useful. I find this book has much more info than the Chilton repair guide. If I had to choose one manual for my VW, this would be the one.
Vw Beetle: Performance Handbook by Keith Seume, James Hale
Reviewer: A reader from Bracknell, Berkshire United Kingdom
This book is great, it deals with most of the issues surounding Beetle perfomance. There are a lot of books around detailing how to uprate your engine, but this book also deals with suspension and more importantly braking systems!
Reviewer: A reader from Atlanta, USA
A great 'how to' book that gives you general guidelines in all the important areas as to how to go about building a custom Beetle. Probably not quite detailed enough for an experienced Beetle customizer looking for all the latest and greatest mods. It's aimed primarily at someone doing this for the first time. His other book, 'Air-Cooled VW Engine Interchange Manual' (5 stars), is the next step down as far as detail is concerned and concentrates on engine specific information.
Essential Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: The Cars and Their Story 1955-74 by Laurence Meredith, Laurence Merideth
Reviewer: Andy Gascoigne from George Town, Cayman Islands
Good books on Ghias are difficult to come by - This is definately the best I've seen or thumbed through. Details the Coupe's and Cabriolets seperately and covers all the major changes to details through the cars production, backed up with some excellent photographs. Also covers type 3 Ghias
Chilton's 1990-99 Volkswagen Repair Manual: Golf, Jetta, Cabriolet (Chilton's Car Care Repair Manual) by Chilton
Reviewer: A reader from Boulder, Colorado, United States
This is a poor manual. In many cases, the instructions given even on basic repairs are incomplete (torque specifications missing, for example). It also contradicts itself - the text will say one thing, and the captions on the pictures say the opposite. For example, the instructions for replacing the air filter say that you don't need to disconnect any hoses or wires from the housing in order to remove the housing, but the pictures show you exactly what hoses and wires to remove. Regardless, I was unable to get the air filter housing open at all with these directions; I'm by no means a mechanic, but I think I should be able to change an air filter with a well-written repair manual. Also, the information about the rear washer system isn't detailed enough - I can't find the rear washer reservoir where this book says it is. Perhaps they left out some Golf-specific details and the description of this system only applies to the more-popular Jetta? Hopefully I'll find out soon, because I've returned this book and ordered the Bentley manual, which costs three times as much but will hopefully be complete and consistent.
Reviewer: A reader from Stamford, Conneticut USA
Potential buyers should take note that this book does not really cover most VW's that were produced in 1999. It covers only those on the A3 frame, not the A4. The A3 frame was used briefly in 1999 and replaced in 1999 with the A4. VW refers to them both as 1999 models
Volkswagen Sport Tuning for Street and Competition: Getting the Best Performance from Your Water-Cooled Volkswagen by Per Schroeder
Reviewer: An Amazon.com Customer
As a relative newcomer to VW 'hot rodding', I found the information in this book to be very useful. Unlike some books that concentrate on the powerplant alone, this book covers all aspects of sport tuning VWs, from ignition to suspension and tires. The book does have a heavy slant towards preparing VWs for autocross competition, but also has modifications for spec racer and plain old street performance. Most modifications have crossover potential between all three classes, limited only by racecar preparation rules (or the law for street vehicles). I especially liked the section on recommended modifications given a set budget. I would definitely recommend this book to people who want to get started tuning VWs.
Water-Cooled Volkswagen Performance Handbook (Motorbooks International Performance Handbooks) by Greg Raven
Reviewer: Christos Chalkiopoulos from Athens, Greece
Very well written stuff, especially for non-experts. The forced induction chapter very well covered, but outdated. It is a pitty this book does not give any in-depth info for the famous VW/Audi 1.8T engine. The only reference is on page 22 where the legend says that the new 1.8T may be the wave of the future (although it is released since 1997) BUT mistakenly the photo shows the V5 engine instead of the 1.8T. Very unfortunate to refer to an engine just announced, and not mentioning the state-of-the-art 1,8T being in production since 97... Any way someone may fing a lot of usefull information in this book, although primarily adressed to American owners.
Dune Buggy Handbook: The A-Z Vw-Based Buggies Since 1964 by James Hale, Bruce Mayers
Reviewer: john shepard from Tri-State Buggy Supply
James Hale hits a home run with this book. It is the first of my knowledge to ever attempt to organize and sort out all of the dune buggy makers. We have waited a long time in the VW hobby for the 'glass buggy to recieve recognition. You get to see everything from the original Meyers Manx buggies that started the fiberglass dune buggy revolution, to the hundreds of clones that were later spawned. Hale does a great job of mixing in facts and photos. This is also a pretty complete look at the rise and later fall of the buggy industry.
Volkswagen Fox Service Manual 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Including Gl, Gl Sport and Wagon by Bentley Publishers
Reviewer: Timothy S McIntyre from Roanoke, Virginia USA
Those who drive and love their Volkswagen Fox understand that although many parts will bolt on from different VW models, the Fox is somewhat quirky in the way it is put together. The Robert Bentley service manual is the Bible for VW Fox owners who want to service their vehicles properly. It contains detailed diagrams of wiring and vacuum systems (very important in a VW) and though not written for the novice mechanic, is easy enough to understand for anyone to get started servicing their own vehicle. Additionally, if you want to get into more complex service issues, the Bentley manual will take you as far as you want to go. If you are looking for the right way to take care of your Fox, look no further.
Remember Those Great Volkswagen Ads? by Alfredo Marcantonio, John O'Driscoll, David Abbott
Reviewer: A reader from Tampa, FL
I think I forgot how good the advertising for Volkswagen was. I mean, I guess our perception of the brand has to come from somewhere! This book has all the great ads from the 60's and 70's. I've been an ad-man for some time, and this book is pretty famous in our circles for being the first car ads (or any ads really) to be honest to the consumer. Most importantly I've been a VW owner for 15 years, and this book just reiterated to me why I continue to buy that brand again and again. This is for people in advertising, and for Volkswagen owners and/or lovers. I just happen to be both.
Birth of the Beetle: The Development of the Volkswagon by Porsche by Chris Barber
Reviewer: colonelorville from South San Francisco, CA United States
This is one of the two best VW Beetle books I have read. The other is VW BEETLE THE CAR OF THE 20TH CENTURY. BIRTH OF THE BEETLE, which could have been called "BIRTH OF THE BEETLE AND THE PORSCHE 356", does the best work I have ever seen of covering the beginnings of the Beetle from the early thirties until the end of World War II. It ends with excellent coverage of the beginnings of the Porsche 356. I highly recommend it.
Volkswagen New Beetle: Service Manual: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 1.8L Turbo, 1.9L Tdi Diesel, 2.0L Gasoline by Bentley Publishers
Book Description
The Volkswagen New Beetle Service Manual: 1998-2002 covers the GL, GLS, GLX, and Turbo S models. This manual has been prepared using selected factory service information with the added benefit of suggestions, tips and clarification of various procedures. Bentley service manuals provide clear and comprehensive service and repair procedures. If you're looking for a better understanding of your Volkswagen New Beetle, look no further than Bentley Publishers.
Features:
* Maintenance procedures: from routine oil changes to poly-ribbed belt replacement.
* Engine and cylinder head service, including timing belt and camshaft replacement.
* Component testing, removal and installation for engine lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems.
* Turbocharger service, removal and installation, and intercooler components.
* Fuel supply system service, including fuel pump delivery volume test, electrical checks, EVAP system, as well as mechanical and electronic throttle control (E-gas).
* Fuel injection and ignition system component identification, electrical testing, technical data, and throttle valve control module adaptation using the factory scan tool.
* Drivetrain maintenance, troubleshooting, adjustment and repair, including hydraulic clutch, gearshift linkage, drive axles, and transmission removal and installation.
* Repair information for ABS/EDL/ASR/ESP brake and stability systems.
* Suspension system service including struts, CV joints, stabilizer bar, rear wheel bearings, wheel alignment specifications and steering system.
* Interior and exterior body equipment: airbags, bumpers, front and rear body sections, doors, hood, lids, lights, instrument panel/dashboard, sunroof, seatbelts, seats, trim panels.
* Heating and air conditioning repair, including A/C electrical component replacement, compressor, fresh air blower, sensors, and vacuum hose layout.
* Factory wiring diagrams and component locations.
* Volkswagen OBD II diagnostic trouble codes section with SAE and manufacturer defined P-codes, control module coding and readiness codes.
* Comprehensive Volkswagen factory tolerances, wear limits, adjustments, and tightening torques that you've come to expect from Bentley manuals.
Volkswagen Corrado Official Factory Repair Manual 1990-1994: Official Factory Repair Manual 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, Including G60, Vr6 and Slc (Volkswagen Service Manuals) by Vw Us Inc, Bentley Publishers, Volkswagen of America
Reviewer: Stevie from Kissimmee, Florida United States
Anyone who owns this car should own this manual regardless of price (yes, I wish it were cheaper too!)but if you value your Corrado and plan on keeping it for a long time like I am, I suggest buying it. The wiring diagrams are very useful once you understand them. It has already paid for itself for the things that I've needed to repair. As for the G60, well, VW doesn't want inexperienced people messing with that because it is a highly precise item and besides some never repair it right and it ends up giving the G60 a bad name, unless you're one of the lucky few who has connections and can get it done right...research it! Get the manual and read it like a book and be proud to get black finger prints on it... ouch.
Getting the Bugs Out: The Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Volkswagen in America by David Kiley
Reviewer: Rolf Dobelli, getAbstract from Luzern Switzerland
David Kiley's insightful tome is as charmingly idiosyncratic as his subject, the VW Beetle or "Bug." Beginning with the Bug's nasty political genesis as Hitler's "people's car," Kiley follows the methods marketers used to shape its 1960s and 1990s commercial identities. Kiley covers the Bug's marketing history, from the obtuse (managers didn't understand that it was essential to VW's U.S. identity) to the brilliant (its sales renaissance). We [...] recommend this book for its fascinating history, but also for its examples of marketing strategy and internal corporate knife-fighting that just might teach you a trick or two.
Vw Bus: The First 50 Years 1949-1999 by Keith Seume, Michael Steinke
Reviewer: A reader from Montréal, QC Canada
Nice book for anyone interested in VW history (especially the VW bus). Text is sometimes short, but the pictures make up for the lack of detail in the text. Nevertheless, this book is excellent.
Vw Bus Custom Handbook by Laurence Meredith, Laurence Merideth, James Hale
Reviewer: A reader from seattle, wa United States
You get a taste of the history of the bus along with some pretty good photos of the various models. The book also gets into buying and restoring a bus. With information on customizing. I would recommend the book to someone who is interested in buying a bus, especially if they intend to restore or customize it.
Volkswagen Cabriolet, Scirocco Service Manual 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Including Scirocco 16V by Robert Bentley, Bentley Publishers
Reviewer: adonaldson@home.com from Mason City, Iowa
Robert Bentley Publishing has created an art out of automotive repair. Their books are the most in depth, real world available on the market. Unlike some other publishers on the market, their books provide you with all possibilities depending on year, make, problem, etc. rather than "if the switch doesn't work on position 1,2,3, but on four, replace the switch" which by the way wasn't my problem at all....(worn out #3 resistor on fresh air fan relay). Consider these books an investment, you won't only save time in troubleshooting, but also by doing it right the first time.
Bug Tales : The 99 Most Hilarious, Outrageous and Touching Tributes Ever Compiled About the Car that Became a Cultural Icon by Gabriella Jacobs, Paul A. Klebahn
Reviewer: Danielle from San Francisco, California, USA
As a VW lover, I always searched for books about the cars. Rather than a repair manual. I often refer to Bug Tales as Chicken Soup for the VW Lovers Soul. The stories are heartwarming, funny and oh-so true, VW lovers will read this book and relate. So many times you will nod your head in agreement, recalling all of the times you dealt with the same trials and tribulations with your VeeDub. Mr. Klebahn has perfectly captured the essence of the VW and their owners. And what a wonderful gift he has made for everyone who has ever owned or loved a Volkswagen.
Small Wonder: The Amazing Story of the Volkswagen Beetle by Walter Henry Nelson
Reviewer: An Amazon.com Customer
I first read this book when I was 10 years old, and ever since it has amazed me how well written, interesting and researched was the original text. It's a shame that the story ends on the late 1960s, and considering that here in Mexico the little Beetle is still one of the best suited cars for the country, perhaps would be nice to have a second edition telling how it has made it to survive until the 1990s, becoming the "Car of the Century" and being registered on the Guiness Records with over 21 million cars produced on the last 60 years.
The New Beetle (Enthusiast Color Series) by Matt Delorenzo
Reviewer: Sean O'Flaherty from San Jose, CA USA
This book gives an excellent history of the New Beetle, from conception to competition. A must read for New Beetle fans.
Reviewer: A reader
Great Book, from concept 1 till 1.8T. Shame there are no pictures of the new beetle in different colours. Red an Grey are mainly used for the pictures which are from great quality. As I am not good in English ( I'm from Belgium ) the book was easy to read. I'm sure, if I have my new beetle I'll hug it (or her). One of the best car-books I've ever read. You can see that Matt Delorenzo (the author) really loves the new bug.
Volkswagen Bug Book by Dan Ouellette, Daniel Ouellette, Quellette
Reviewer: An Amazon.com Customer
I read about this in the New York Times and the LA Times, so I figured it was worth the buy. And it was! It's a very different approach to the Bug -- more about the people who buy it than the car itself. Ouellette is a great writer. somewhere between Gore Vidal and Garry Trudeau. A must for the Bug library
Vw Beetle: The New Custom Handbook by Keith Seume
Reviewer: Bob McGrath from Right on the edge
This book will definitley get the creative juices flowing when you are trying to decide how you want your beetle restoration to turn out. It covers all the popular "looks", from the ageless Cal-look to the modern german look, as well as buggies, bajas and replicas.
A definite must have for a beetle fan.
Reviewer: Cale Fraser from Vancouver, Canada
I Own a copy of this book and have read it Cover to Cover many times, It is not so much a technical book, but more set around Showing you what can be done and what has been done with the VW beetle, If you are starting out a resto Project This is definitly the book for you.
Vw Beetle Restoration Handbook: How to Restore 1949-1967 Vw Beetles to Original Factory Condition by VW Trends Magazine (Editor)
Reviewer: widerberg from Florida USA
Just like the other reviewers have stated, this book has nothing to do with the restoration of a Beetle. The subtitle, "How to Restore 1949-1967 VW Beetles to Original Factory Condition", is not just misleading, it's a bold-faced lie. Complete waste of time and money. HPBooks and VW Trends should hang their heads in shame. Booo. Hiss. If I didn't love anything and everything VW Beetle, this book would be getting returned.
How to Modify Volkswagen Beetle: Suspension, Brakes & Chassis for High Performance (Speedpro) by James Hale
Reviewer: A reader from Macedonia, OH USA
Add it to your collection, however, it has it's shortcomings. The author is defintly knowledgeable about his subject, however the presentation of the material could be better. The book reads like a compilation of magazine articles at times. If you have a good collection of VW Trends & Hot VW's magazines, you probably don't need this book. The author is also from the UK, so there are references to items, that if you are in the USA, may not be practical (i.e. brakes from a Horizon Talbot or something like that). He presents alot of options on various topics, but never really tells you what product "in reality" is the best (pros/cons). He also does not really get into true suspension tuning. Things are left pretty loose (i.e. adding an anti-sway bar will improve handling)....Well, as a race driver myself I could disagree with this statement in certain cases. He does not outline, basic vehicle dynamics tunings. Example: He does not say that Stiffening the rear of the car increases oversteer, and stiffing the front increases understeer. Let alone define under/over steer. The affect of tire pressures, alignment, etc. These TRUELY "tuning for High-Performance" items are either left out or glossed over.
Unless, you need a good reference on Brake "Options", or how to shorten you chasis for kit cars or Baja's, spend your money on "Keith Seume's book on Volkswagen Bug Performance". If you already own Keith's Performance book, you probably don't need this book.
Stongest Point: R&Ring King and Link Pins, Ball Joints, basic maintenance on the supspension.
If the book were titles "VW Suspension Maintenence and Options" I would have rated it a 4. The "high performance" angle despite the many brake options is misleading.
Battle for the Beetle by Karl Ludvigsen, Ivan Hirst
Reviewer: diego_rodriguez from Palo Alto, CA
As with all of Mr. Ludvigsen's works, "Battle for the Beetle" is expertly researched and elegantly written.
The book is notable for its collection of historic photographs, detailing not only the evolution of the Beetle itself, but also many other rear-engined automobile development efforts from the same time period. While Mr. Ludvigsen certainly delivers on the political intrigue promised by his book's title, he also does a wonderful job of helping us understand the societal context which caused the rear-engine movement to come into being; in this way the Beetle as a technological artifact is placed into its proper intellectual ecosystem, a more interesting viewpoint than the more common "design genius" mythology build up around its creator, Professor Porsche.
In fact, this is no mere buff book, but an important work in the study of society and technology and how complex technological artifacts come into being.
But don't get me wrong -- if you love cars, and especially if you love Beetles, read this book!
Vw Bus: Camper, Bus, Van, Pick-Up, Wagon by Malcolm Bobbitt
Reviewer: A reader from Ohio
I'm not sure why there was a need for this book?! The ground it covers is not new, and has been done as well--- or better by others! The many b/w photos are faded looking, and the very few color pictures are of often seen brochures...or rather uninteresting VWs. This soft-bound book is printed on good heavy glossy stock, and the content is fairly factual. My advice is to take your $$ and buy the superb VW bus book by Seume/Steinke, or the also fairly good VW bus books by Schiffer/Zeichner or Meredith
Vintage Volkswagens by Flat 4 Project (Creator)
Reviewer: John M. Patterson from USA
This is an outstanding book if you are looking for pictures of vintage volkswagens but don't look for much more than that. Although the pictures are great there is no indication of what you are looking at unless you jump back and forth from the "Description" section in the rear of the book. Lastly you will not get every year of the vintage volkswagens so don't look for anything beyond 1961, and some of the years prior to '61 are missing as well. If you are just looking for some great pictures prior to '61 this book is for you. If you are looking for something more substantial such as changes from model year to model year, and a larger range of years, then keep looking.
Chilton's Volkswagen: Air Cooled 1949-69 Repair Manual (Total Car Care Series) by Chilton (Editor), Chilton Book Company
Reviewer: 68autobug from SCONE, N.S.W Australia
This Book is a MUST for any Air Cooled Volkswagen Owner.
Especially - IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN OPERATORS MANUAL ---
I'm NOT a Mechanic and I hate to get My hands dirty... but I love reading this book.... It is full of Information about how Your Volkswagen works and how to fix - or what to fix, if You happen to have a problem... I can't recommend this book too highly... and I own many VW manuals.. and a 1968 Auto Beetle
Vw Beetle & Transporter: Guide to Purchase & D.I.Y. Restoration (Foulis Motoring Book) by Lindsay Porter
Reviewer: A reader from Ottawa, ON., Canada
If you plan on doing a restoration of a beetle or bus this is a must have. There are other VW books out there that mention body work to a degree, but this book goes into detail for every step of the process. Of particular interest was replacing floor pans, heater channels and just about every other problem area on a beetle. There are step by step pictures as well. The book also covers interior restoration and mechanicals.
Original Vw Beetle by Laurence Meredith, Paul Debois (Photographer), Mark Hughes (Editor)
Reviewer: c_fernandez_v from MEXICO
I had a very nice surprise when I recieved the Original VW Beetle book. It is very good illustrated, with good quality, full color photos. The cars in the photos are really nice, in excellent original conditions. the book presents very usefull information about the evolution of the VW, indicating for each year, since 1945, the main changes. In resume the book looks like a bargain book, but has information like a consulting gook. I will recommend this book to my friends, those who are interested in the VW. Also I think the book usefull for people interested in those industrial products which have made history.
The 1949-1959 VW Beetle (Authenticity Series) by Bob Wilson, Robert Wilson
Reviewer: A reader from Ontario, Canada
This book rates as one of my favorites and I would recommend this one to anyone serious about vintage Beetles!
If you're serious about having your Beetle 100% original this book shows the reader the 49-59 annual changes made to the Beetle and what options are correct based on serial (production) numbers of the car.
It also shows correct paint codes and the options for the different models of the car (deluxe, standard, or export).
This period of the production of the Beetle is probably the favorite for any vintage fan and this book is definately an interesting and informative read.
California Look Vw by Keith Seume
Reviewer: An Amazon.com Customer
If you are one of those people that prefers to see a vw with a set of nice wheels and some nice trick bits, then this is the book for you. It captures the essence of the california look perfectly and could quite easily transform a hardcore vintage enthusiast into a cal look lover. It features several very well written sections covering different areas of influence on the scene. One covers the originators of the look, one the major companies involved with it, and another on the clubs that helped form the scene. Keith Seume has also managed to include a large amount of rare photos of early development taking place, right through to photos of clubs still alive from the heyday of the california look. Once you get this book you will be forever converted to that slammed, agro look of the cal lookers.
Volkswagen Passat: Official Factory Repair Manual 1995, 1996, 1997: Gasoline, Turbo Diesel, Tdi 4-Cylinder and Vr6, Including Wagon by Bentley Publishers
Reviewer: A reader from usa
Wonderful content. I have owned multiple volkswagons and their repair manuals are exceptional. Being able to do my own repairs saves me money making the manual well worth the price. There is even a troubleshooting section where if you don't know exactly what is wrong with your car you can narrow it down based on the conditions you are experiencing. The book points you in the right direction. The diagrams of the components are clear and easy to read.
Vw New Beetle: Performance Handbook (Performance Handbooks) by Keith Seume
Reviewer: Brian Zimmer from Denver, CO United States
While Keith may be an expert on the original Type 1 Beetle, I felt a bit disappointed by this book. Perhaps I was expecting more, but the book really doesn't go into too much detail, or at least not as much as I was hoping for. I can get more info on the New Beetle from NewBeetle.org
Haynes Restoration Manual: Vw Golf and Jetta by Lindsay Porter, Haynes Publishing
Book Description
Volkswagen's Golf hatchback, introduced in 1974, quickly became one of the world's most popular cars. Its reputation for reliability and longevity has ensured that the Golf remains in production to this day. Additionally, the GTI, essentially a sportier version of the Golf, has become a modern-day "classic," while the Jetta, primarily a Golf with a trunk, has earned a particularly enthusiastic following in the United States. Vehicle restoration expert Lindsay Porter tells readers what to look for when buying an older car, and how to bring it back to first-class condition, ready to put another 100,000 miles on the clock. Key content includes: Golf A1, Rabbit A2, the GTI 1600 and 1800, and Jettas; history and development; step-by-step, fully illustrated sequences for undertaking mechanical overhauls and restoration of bodywork, interior, and electrics; and such modifications as fitting an uprated engine, suspension, brakes, and more.
Audi A4 Service Manual: 1996-2001 by Bentley Publishers
Book Description
The Audi A4 Repair Manual: 1996 - 2001 covers Audi A4 models built on the Audi "B5" platform. Does not include Audi S4 (sports model). This manual has been prepared using selected factory service information with the added benefit of suggestions, tips and clarification of various procedures. Bentley repair manuals provide clear and comprehensive service and repair procedures. If you're looking for better understanding of your Audi A4, look no further than Bentley Publishers.
Engines covered
- 1.8L turbo gasoline (engine codes: AEB, ATW, AWM)
- 2.8L gasoline (engine codes: AFC, AHA, ATQ)
Transmissions covered
- 5-speed Manual (012, 01W, 01A)
- 5-speed Automatic (01V )
Volkswagen Model Documentation: Beetle to 412, Including Transporter (Boxer Engine Models) by Joachim Kuch
Reviewer: jim adney from Madison WI USA
I've now gone thru most of this book and I have to say that overall, I have very mixed feelings. The author clearly put a lot of work into researching the data to present here, but it is often not presented in a way that makes it easy to follow. There are also a number of places where statements are made which I believe are clearly wrong.
While the emphasis of the book is on the history of the various VW type 1, 2, 3 & 4 models and all their variations, changes, and improvements over the years, this information is seldom presented in a consistent way. Models are often discussed before we are introduced to them, and sometimes we are never introduced. There is continuing confusion between model year and calendar year, to the point that conflicting statements are made on different pages and only a knowledgable reader will know which to believe.
The book appears to have been written originally in German, so some of the problems may be in the translation, which may have been by someone with little knowledge of cars or VWs. There are numerous German language references, with careful English translations, but there are also a few terms which appear to be simple direct translations without regard to what the normal English language term might be. Most of the writing is fine, but there are a few places where a good editor's touch would have been useful.
A regular feature of the book is a table of changes for each model. This would be a wonderful thing if it were arranged by model year (when VW went by model years) rather than calendar year. These tables would also be more useful if they occurred with the text discussing that model, rather than a few pages later, after the discussion of the next model has already begun.
Nevertheless, the author does a good job of presenting the development of VW from the pre and post WW II years thru the end of the air cooled era, the crises they weathered, and many of the personalities involved. There are loads of interesting facts, as well as photographs I've not seen elsewhere, which would be of interest to many VW fanatics.
VW Transporter & Microbus Specification Guide 1950-1967 by David Eccles
Reviewer: A reader from Ohio
Lots of facts and production info. Reads like a series of VW mag articles (i.e.- lightweight) Many great color photos, but too many of the more interesting ones are postage-stamp size! The author had a pretty good thing going here, but at only 95 pages, came up about 15 pages short of a really good VW Bus book! To his credit, there are no pages wasted on chopped, lowered, hand painted or "Cal-Look" bullis!There are a few better VW bus books avail....before you'll need to buy this one.
Vw Beetle: The Car of the 20th Century by Richard Copping
Hooray for the British!
Reviewer: colonelorville from South San Francisco, CA United States
The above is the heading of a portion of the book. It was used because the British deserve a lot of credit for the VW existing after World War II. I am using it because most of the best VW and Porsche books I have read were published in the UK. This is one of the two best books I have read about the VW Beetle. The other is BIRTH OF THE BEETLE. The two together excellently cover the history of the Beetle from the beginning into the twenty-first century. VW BEETLE-THE CAR OF THE 20TH CENTURY covers the post World War II era. I highly recommend them both.
Volkswagen Bus by William M. Burt
Reviewer: John Baker from Pleasant Plain, Ohio United States
A good book that features many of our "daily driven" buses, not like other books that just showcase "Trailer Queen" and customized buses.
The Vw Beetle: A Production History of the World's Most Famous Car 1936-1967 by Ryan Lee Price
Reviewer: A reader from Ontario, Canada
I just bought this book at a local bookstore and was totally impressed! Although kind of expensive, it's well worth the cost.
This book is a must have for the vintage VW Nut and contains some excellent information and vintage photos on theproduction of the Beetle that I have never seen before.
I own a large collection of VW reading material and I would rate this book as a "must have" if you're serious about the VW hobby.
The book starts off with an excellent well written history of the car from the Porsche design right up to the mid/late 1960's and then gives year by year break down information on the car showing changes and other important facts.
This book finally focuses strictly on the Beetle, although it does give the reader some basic info on other "vintage" models that is also interesting.
If you're serious about vintage VW Beetles, this book is the one!
