TheSamba.com :: View topic - What is the Essential Manual for a VW Newbie?

Mon Jan 27, 2014 2:50 pm

Hey guys, could you help me find one, maybe two books or manuals I can buy that will really teach me the mechanical and maintenance basics of an aircooled engine? I am getting into Baja Bugs and from day one I want to make sure I follow standard protocol for maintenance and take good care of everything. It doesn't really have to be a Beetle manual because the one I'm looking at has a Bus tranaxle and Thing drums, etc. I don't have a lot of auto experience.

Thanks!

Mon Jan 27, 2014 3:11 pm

Welcome to the forum!

I would recommend this book by john muir.. basic mechanics etc.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1500727

and this one by jeff hibbard.. everything off road, lots of tips and tricks.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=731738

Mon Jan 27, 2014 4:04 pm

Get the Bentley manual for your year bug. Even though your car has alternate pieces, it will help you out in many more ways than the Miur book. Having a few or more books is the best route.

Mon Jan 27, 2014 4:21 pm

risk wrote: Welcome to the forum!

I would recommend this book by john muir.. basic mechanics etc.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1500727

and this one by jeff hibbard.. everything off road, lots of tips and tricks.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=731738
I really dig that Muir manual I'll definitely pick that one up.

Mon Jan 27, 2014 4:25 pm

babysnakes wrote: Get the Bentley manual for your year bug. Even though your car has alternate pieces, it will help you out in many more ways than the Miur book. Having a few or more books is the best route.
Would you recommend the orange one or the blue one? It's a 1969 Beetle. I'm going to be picking up the Muir one to go with it. Then there is also the Haynes manual, but I'm going to stick with two books anyway until I can really get my hands on a bug.

EDIT: I went with the orange one because I found it for 15 dollars and I'm a stickler for good deals. Its a 1970+ book but it should cover most of what I need to know for a 1969 right?

Mon Jan 27, 2014 5:19 pm

Start with Muier's "Idiot" book. It's a great introduction to everything you will need to know and he explains how everything works in a very easy to understand way.

Once you have enjoyed that book, then it's time to get the correct Bentley manual for your year. The bently for the 6 volt years can be very expensive - $100 or so. Latter years its more affordable usually around $15. But the Bentley is the official service manual.

Mon Jan 27, 2014 5:29 pm

You could do a lot worse than spending a few hours reading through the items on this page:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/

Don't skip the VW Owner's Manuals, there's a surprising amount of good information and basic service instructions in them.

The old Elfrink book is also pretty good:

http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Technical-Manual-All-About/dp/B001974BLM

Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:42 pm

Well get all of them, Miur, Bently, Haynes, That way your covered from all the different pictures and view points on how to repair replace. When you go to do a general repair read all of the books/manuals/thesamba then do the repair.

Tue Jan 28, 2014 3:17 pm

coad wrote: You could do a lot worse than spending a few hours reading through the items on this page:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/

Don't skip the VW Owner's Manuals, there's a surprising amount of good information and basic service instructions in them.

The old Elfrink book is also pretty good:

http://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-Technical-Manual-All-About/dp/B001974BLM
Good stuff thanks for sharing.

Tue Jan 28, 2014 5:07 pm

I always recommend Muir for those new to mechaniking. It has several advantages over other manuals:
1) It is entertaining, and makes the idea of getting grimy and pissed off under the car a little more enjoyable.
2) It is written for the novice.
3) It doesn't require a lot of tools; in fact, its handling of progressive tool needs is outstanding.
4) It gives you a list of parts, materials, people you need BEFORE you jump into doing the work. This prevents you from "painting yourself into a corner."
5) In your case, with a Franken-VW, the fact that it covers Buses as well as Bugs is an advantage.

Bentley will give you great exploded views, insight into the best tools (even if you don't yet have them), and good specs.

If I had to pick two, those would be them. I enjoy many more, but rely on these two still after 40 years with VWs.

Tue Jan 28, 2014 8:45 pm

KTPhil wrote: I always recommend Muir for those new to mechaniking. It has several advantages over other manuals:
1) It is entertaining, and makes the idea of getting grimy and pissed off under the car a little more enjoyable.
2) It is written for the novice.
3) It doesn't require a lot of tools; in fact, its handling of progressive tool needs is outstanding.
4) It gives you a list of parts, materials, people you need BEFORE you jump into doing the work. This prevents you from "painting yourself into a corner."
5) In your case, with a Franken-VW, the fact that it covers Buses as well as Bugs is an advantage.

Bentley will give you great exploded views, insight into the best tools (even if you don't yet have them), and good specs.

If I had to pick two, those would be them. I enjoy many more, but rely on these two still after 40 years with VWs.
I grabbed the Muir book and the orange Bently manual. John Muir has some big family history!

Wed Jan 29, 2014 12:27 am

Here is the link-
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/69bug.php