Best book for beginner

[Copernicus]

This has probably been asked before, but what is the best book/manual for a noob about engines? I need to tear down my engine to the long block. Fix the PO's mistakes Its a 1915cc Type 1
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1970 standard baja, roller.

1970 standard baja, 1915cc

[busdaddy]

Assuming you already understand the basic principles of the internal combustion engine:

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Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Wanted, 68-73 westy OG plaid curtains, singles OK.

[Copernicus]

Let's assume I don't. Like I said... I am a beginner
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1970 standard baja, roller.

1970 standard baja, 1915cc

[90volts]

read this...


http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm


now that you have some type of basic idea.. buy or borrow the above quoted book..

[hazetguy]

[crofty]

[Copernicus]

Well thanks for the helpful reply.
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1970 standard baja, roller.

1970 standard baja, 1915cc

[djkeev]

Get Wilson's book, you'd be hard pressed to get a better basic rebuild guide.
If you know very little get John Muir's "Idiot" book. It's a classic, it has a lot of basics and it also garners a lot of hate. Don't take it's guides as gospel but it will educate you and entertain you at the same time.
Use it in harmony with Wilson's book and you should do ok for yourself. The VW service manual printed by Bentley is considered the Bible of VW repair and is always recommended that an owner who does his own work get one for the car's model year.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=380724

http://www.amazon.com/Keep-Volkswagen-Alive-Step--...amp;sr=1-1

Dave
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(o\ ! /o) (o)=l=(o)

1974 Super Convertible
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=rust+repair

Creating a 69 1/2 Ghia Convertible out of a 69 Coupe and a 70 Convertible
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

And the newest arrival!....... 86 Vanagon Westy!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

[55reasons]

Is there an equivalent reference for '60 and down?

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55 RHD CKD Käfer
50 BMW R25

WTB:
Allstate single wheel trailers and/or parts

[drscope]

If you don't understand the basic principles, then I suggest Muier's Idiot book.

He explains everything in a pretty simple and easy to understand way.

Once you get through that and understand things a little better, then you can move on to a better more technical book.
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Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch!

[Low67vdubinnocal]

[iowegian]

[Copernicus]

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1970 standard baja, roller.

1970 standard baja, 1915cc

[Copernicus]

The reason I asked this question, is because I spoke to Art this week, who's shop (ACE) is very close to my house, lucky me I just wanted him to take a look at my engine, because I just got it and obviously don't know a lot about engines. He told me the engine is fine, but the guy that built it made some stupid mistakes like not bolting down the sheet metal he said to tear it down and put it back together right- and reroute some of the lines while I'm at it. I asked him if it would take him long to do it and he pretty much told me to learn and do it myself sorry for the long post...
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1970 standard baja, roller.

1970 standard baja, 1915cc

[JonF]

i have always been a big fan of the bug me videos. it is nice to be able to watch someone else do a job before you do it so you have some kind of idea what your getting yourself into besides from reading a book. but if you want a book the tom wilson book how to rebuild a volkswagen engine is a good one to have.
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68 bug 1600sp 30/31
68 baja 1600sp 010 32ndix

when wishing for a type 2 make sure to include vw in the wish so its not diabetes you end up with!

[drscope]

Anyone messing with cars on this forum is messing with something that is at least 45 years old.

That being said, these cars needed a lot of attention and maintenance when they were new. More modern cars are nearly maintenance free by comparison.

As a result of the improvements in automotive technology, a lot of our society has lost the ability or knowledge of how to maintain a car on our own.

When you are messing with a 45 year old car, there are going to be a lot of problems and failures. And unless YOU know how to deal with them, you are going to be spending a lot of cash to have someone else take care of it for you.

And then there will be the other problems as a result of your car not being able to perform it's duties. Lost work, time spent on the side of the road, missed opportunities, etc.

So it is in your best interest that you learn as much about this car as you can and that you start collecting the tools and materials you need to take care of it as best you can.
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Mother Nature is a Mean Evil Bitch!

[bugnut68]