Is the Idiot's book really that valuable?

[oprn]

[Q-Dog]

[Bulli Klinik]

[Bulli Klinik]

I can say that as a 17 year old with a 66 Camper back in '87, the Muir book not only saved my ass, it empowered a young, clueless enthusiast to own VW's to this day. My mechanical experience up to that point was keeping my BMX tuned.
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I've never met a Bus I didn't like.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs

[Abscate]

[raygreenwood]

[janerick3]

I just picked up a shopworn, 8th printing (1972) from one of our local libraries' used bookstores for $3, so they can still be had for next to nothing. I have a copy of almost every other air-cooled VW repair manual written in English, but never the Idiot's Guide. I have run across a few waterlogged copies of this book in junkyards over the years, but none in any condition worth taking.

As has been mentioned previously, the target audience for this publication is the first half of the baby boomer generation (the ones familiar with the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers). The Idiot's Guide contains lots of tricks and tips for those willing (or forced) to do their own maintenance and could be read from cover-to-cover within a week.
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Thanks,
Jan K.

[67rustavenger]

Let's look at another factoid regarding the "Idiot's book."
It is the first guide for the complete idiot that came to market.
Before all the other "Idiot" guides that are published today!
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I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[Zundfolge1432]

This book while written in a style different from Muir attempts to get information to the consumers in a friendly manner.

[FarmerBill]

[Chickensoup]

per the OP's original question, IMO no its not. not in todays day and age.

its a fun book, but not really that useful nor very accurate in some regards.
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-'85 c10 5.3 LS, 222 cam, long tubes, x pipe, 3 inch spin tech's
-'05 B5.5 TDI Wagon 17in sport rims ;EGR + BSM + ASV Delete, Stage-2 Tune, straight pipe
'65 Tourist Delivery Build
'66 RIP
'69 RIP
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge"

[2type2]

IMO the idiot's guide is more valuable than just trashy advice as some argue. My point is, although some procedures or recommended approaches are indeed questionable , the fact remains that an individual who has neither experience nor mechanical aptitude CAN fix their own car in most cases just by being the idiot that follows the steps. My memory is shot, so I will often read a few paragraphs while tinkering to keep me on track.
I feel that if I could motivate her to do so ,even my wife could successfully wrench on my VW .........and that's saying alot!
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"A life of peace and happiness depends on your own gratefulness"

[Igpoe]

[Igpoe]

If a man tells you he understands women he's got it figured that the person he's talking to is a complete idiot
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'73 super.

[oprn]

[iowegian]

[Zundfolge1432]

[calvinater]

Keep it near the reading throne.
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"Albatross"!

[KTPhil]

[Typ3nut]

My take on this Topic is that there is many things people collect and finding a 1st Edition John Muir Idiot Book in very good condition will complete a collection, they are hard to find, I sold one a couple years ago for $50 bucks at a Swap Meet but try to get that kind of money for a 2nd Edition or later, you just have to find the right person.