Preferred repair manuals

[Casperfg]

Hi there,
I recently purchased a restored 57 beetle. Looks great and drives well. I enjoy doing my own service and repairs. What repair manuals are recommended resources?
Thank you,
Dean

[Casperfg]

[KTPhil]

Nice Bug!

Plenty to choose from:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/type1.php
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/books/type1.php

Before we can answer, we need to know your skill level, tool stash, space available, and what kind of work you have in mind.

Lacking those answers, search for many existing threads on repair manuals here. Many opinions, all of them valid for those folks... which may or may not be valid for YOU.

My two-cent suggestion is the factory workshop manual (Bentley and predecessors), plus the Muir "Idiot Book" as two at opposite ends of the spectrum. Both are excellent, within their respective limitations.
_________________
Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[Casperfg]

Thank you for the response! I've done quite a bit of heavy mechanical work over the last 50+ years and have owned vintage vw's for most of that time but none older than my current 67' Bug. My Bentley manual says it covers 66-69. Maybe there's a early edition, I'll do some digging.
Thank you,
Dean

[Casperfg]

This is my old reliable 67' 1300cc

[Jacks]

Nothing better than the Elfrink manual, in my opinion
This one covers the ‘50s stuff in detail
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2670097
_________________
Jack Staggs
Actual name

[KTPhil]

Another fine Bug!

The Scientific Publications books have the same type of excellent photos as Bentley, and cover non-USA models as well.

Those published by Verlag Delius+ Klasing & Co were the predecessor to Bentley and are very similar and also excellent.

If you can find an early Elfrink technical manual, those are really good, too.

I like Muir for the lists of parts and tools listed with each procedure, a handy reminder lacking in all other manuals.

Some don't like them, but the Haynes books have the benefit of the authors actually performing all the procedures they describe. Their photo quality leaves something to be desired, but the hands-on experience produces some great tips and workarounds for those lacking the VW tool set.
_________________
Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[BulliBill]

If I could only have one VW service manual for my Oval era Beetles, it would hands-down be the nice reprint by Robert Bentley Publishing of the original VW Service Manual. Luckily I have almost all of the original VW Dealership-issued Service manuals for the entire VW model line from the early 1950's thru about 1972 (all mine came from the Service Department of a closed VW dealership long ago).

You'll find that the Bentley manuals are the most recently updated reproduction copies of the oriinal manuals. Not particularly cheap (brand new, well over $100) but definitely worth every penny. Big manuals, like old fashioned telephone books used to be. Highly detailed descriptions, photos and illustrations,

Here's the one you want search for and acquire: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2698172

Enjoy your Oval! By the way, where in the world are you located?

Bill Bowman
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[VW_Jimbo]

Agree completely with Bill! It is hands down the most complete book, with specifications. It was available on Amazon new a few years ago, but is no longer there.

There are 4 copies at a used book seller. Here is their link!
https://www.abebooks.com/9780837603902/Volkswagen-1200-Workshop-Manual-1961-1965-0837603900/plp
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[BulliBill]

Thanks VW Jimbo!

Just be aware that the link that VW Jimbo provided shows that Bentley reproduction manual to be the slightly later version for 1961-65 Type 1's, and I think that the initial poster wants a manual correct for a Oval era Beetle if I am not mistaken? That bookseller looks like they are in New Zealand (a stunningly beautiful world if you ever get a chance to get down there!). On a quick look at that link from VW Jimbo and a search for 1952-57 manual I did not see one available unless I somehow missed it.

Hunt down the earlier 1952-57 copy for your Oval Beetle. That one in my link from a Samba.com ad is what you probably need.

Bill
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[my59]

I got an original 1959 workshop manual, 2 loose leaf binders years ago, and use it along with Muir's book and a Clymer manual.
At the time, there was a gap in the Bentley publication, no 58-59.
_________________
my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[tasb]

The J. Muir Idiot manual gets my top vote. The Bentley manuals sometimes cover too much information and it can be hard to find what you need, in my opinion.
_________________
Roads Scholar &
1957 Kombi low mileage 36 hp governor equipped M 178 Slow Drag Winner 2014, 2015, 2018

1965 hardtop Deluxe Microbus owned since 1990 M 620 factory 12 v 1500cc

1961 (October)Single Cab- Road Trip Workhorse

Member# 2059

[VW_Jimbo]

[splitjunkie]

Wolfsburg West still has the 52-57 Bentley manual in stock. Pricey, but worth every penny.

https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=book1a
_________________
Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld