Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 113
 Buy this book! A must for the mechanically declined March 3, 1998
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
This book is near the top of my all-time best books list. My brother gave me a copy of this book when my first Beetle engine threw a rod. It enabled me (a 17-year-old overhaul virgin) to completely overhaul the engine by myself. 17 years later, it's very dog-eared, but has helped me through several overhauls, and has given me the confidence to tackle a Bug restoration. If you can only afford one VW book, this is it. Doesn't cover body work much, but the mechanical system description and illustrations will appeal to anyone funky enough to own an air-cooled VW. I'm pleased to see that it is still in print. John Muir is gone now, but he lives large in my estimation!
 Incomplete. Could have been the best on the subject if only it was finished... July 28, 2005
Wesley J. Millam (Nashville, TN)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
I am an ASE Certified Technician who purchased this book at the beginning af a restoration project involving a 1970 Beetle. After turning to this manual during many moments of need I have noted that my emotional responses ranged from deep gratitude to watching this manual sail across my shop toward the trash bin.
Why the author decided to exclude critical information while clarifying others is a paradox to me. i. e.; One very common symptom with all air-cooled beetles are the sagging rear suspension; the author doesn't mention a word about the rear suspension while expertly addressing the front. The only wiring diagram is for an early `60's 6 volt system!?! etc, etc.
Ultimately I am glad to have this manual (Yes, I have dug it back out of the trash bin after a cooling off period, more then once) and, for the price, would recommend it. But I would first recommend you add this book to your library only after investing in the bentley, and other, manuals first.
Do not depend on this manual to cover all your needs in any comprehensive way. If this manual does address an issue for you, it's the greatest reference book out there. When it leaves you in the dark on other issues, especially if you are neck deep in an operation, you may have to suppress the urge to test the aerodynamics of this book.
To me this book is half complete. I wish that the author had invested more energy and focus into making this a comprehensive guide and less into the extracurricular comic strips and art work, or at least save it for when this manual was truly finished.
Since this is half the book it should be I give it half the rating it could have...2.5.
A Classic July 18, 2003
David Owens (La Mirada, CA USA)
8 out of 10 found this review helpful
I first bought this book back in the 70's, when I think Muir was still alive. It completely captured the hippie, VW era, of which I was a part of, in Big Sur, CA. Step by step instructions for everything VW. Today, I am going to buy it just to read and remember an era long past, and wish I could bring back. I am glad it is still in print, because it perfectly matches the machine with the intended owners. I realize the Eurovan crowd will not be doing any repairs, but for those with 70-80's era buses, it is a must have.
I liked it so much that I bought a VW! November 17, 1999
Graham Kelly (kelly_clan@bigpond.com) (Australia)
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
Seriously, I found a copy of this book in an old 2nd hand shop. Paid $10 for it, and started to read it. I was amazed! Within 2 weeks, I was the proud owner of a 75 VW Bus!
Love da Book, it has saved my life and limb more than once! August 20, 1997
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
It all began in 1970, with my first VW, a 1967 Squareback, found in a backyard in our nation's capitol. I had to replace all hoses,belts and external gaskets, plus overhaul the dual Solex carbs(not covered bu the Guide!) just to get that babe running. It was worth it! That $200.00 car took me and my sweethart to the Grand Canyon and further, and was sold to a man who had a lot of money and time on his hands. The "Guide" has helped me through 14 or so VW's, including a "66 Ghia, '78 2 liter van and a 412 4-speed wagon(actual German edition). Now I own an '81 Vanagon, an '84 rabbit deluxe, and several parts cars on my property. Thanks be to John Muir
|
