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VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia: restoration manuals
Find the best VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia restoration manuals here. Detailed guides for DIY restoration of classic VW cars.
Clear instructions for maintenance, troubleshooting, and parts replacement.
VW Beetle and Transporter (1954-1978) | Haynes Restoration Manual
Beetles and Transporters were such successful vehicles that some 25 million were built, which means that getting spares shouldn't be a problem for the DIY restorer.
This book, with nearly 900 illustrations, describes how to renovate chassis and bodywork, including the renewal of major panels and repainting; how to renovate interiors; give new life to mechanical and electrical components; and use the Beetle as the basis for a 'special' or kit car. It also details the history of the marque, and lists production modifications.
Product details
Author: | Lindsay Porter |
Details: | 327 pages, 28 x 21 x 1.9 cm / 11 x 8.25 x 0.75 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | 900 b&w photos |
Publisher: | Haynes Publishing (GB, 1999) |
Series: | Haynes Restoration Manual |
ISBN: | 9781859606155 |
More information on the Haynes Restoration Manuals
How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive - A Manual of Step-By-Step Procedures for the Complete Idiot
First published in 1969, this classic manual of automotive repair equips VW owners with the practical skills to keep their Volkswagen running smoothly. Inside you'll find:
- Expert knowledge on any air-cooled Volkswagen built through 1978, including Bugs, Karmann Ghias, vans, and campers
- Easy-to-understand, fun-to-read information for novice and veteran mechanics alike, with anecdotal descriptions and clear language to help take the mystery out of diagnostic, maintenance, and repair procedures
- Trusted advice from the late John Muir, whose in-depth knowledge and sense of humor have guided Volkswagen enthusiasts for nearly 50 years
- Hand-lettered with intricate hand-drawn illustrations throughout
- Updated information on problem-solving, with new photos and an updated resource list.
Packed with trusted insight, troubleshooting tips, and clear directions, "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" is the ultimate VW manual.
Covers VW types 1, 2, 3 and 4 with 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800 and 2000 engines, including fuel injection.
Product details
Author: | John Muir, Tosh Gregg, Peter Aschwanden |
Details: | 480 pages, 27.5 x 21 x 2.9 cm / 10.8 x 8.25 x 1.14 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | numerous photos and drawings |
Publisher: | Rick Steves (USA, 2001) |
ISBN: | 9781566913102 |
How to restore: Volkswagen Beetle - All models (1953-2003) - Your step-by-step illustrated guide to body, trim & mechanical restoration (Enthusiast's Restoration Manual)
With explanations of the basic skills required for a restoration - including welding, painting, and panel beating - and containing over 700 colour photos, this manual contains everything you need to know to make your Beetle like new again.
Showing how to carry out hands-on bodywork and mechanical restoration, interior restoration, and troubleshooting, you'll find solutions to problems that simply aren't covered in normal workshop manuals.
Even those with no technical knowledge or restoration experience can now see how to completely restore a Volkswagen Beetle, from bodywork, interior, mechanical and electrical - an essential manual for millions of Beetle owners around the world.
Features:
- Explanations of basic restoration skills - welding, paintwork, panel beating
- Over 700 colour photographs
- Hands on bodywork and mechanical restoration
- Interior restoration
- Troubleshooting
- How to repair bodywork for which repair panels are unavailable
- Dealing with professional restorers
- Solutions to problems not covered in workshop manuals.
Product details
Author: | Jim Tyler |
Details: | 224 pages, 27 x 20.5 cm / 10.6 x 8.1 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | 700+ colour photos |
Publisher: | Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2016) |
Series: | Enthusiast's Restoration Manual |
ISBN: | 9781845849467 |
Volkswagen Air-Cooled - Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Fastback, Notchback and Squareback (1949-1969) (USA) | Chilton Repair Manual
Chilton Repair Manual for the VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Fastback, Notchback and Squareback.
Model years: 1949-1969.
This Chilton manual for the air-cooled Volkswagen models from 1949-1969 covers maintenance and repair of the gasoline engines (distribution, camshaft, inlet and outlet valves, cylinder head, crankshaft, lubricating system, and gaskets).
It also addresses the cooling system, air conditioning, fuel system, exhaust, and the electrical system. Additionally, it describes work on other components, such as the clutch, transmission (only removal and installation), front and rear axles, springs and shock absorbers, the steering system, brakes and body.
- Covers both U.S. and Canadian models.
- Includes technical specifications, adjustment data, torque wrench settings, and wiring diagrams.
- Tables for troubleshooting and identification of models and engines.
Product details
Details: | 374 pages, 28 x 21 x 2 cm / 11 x 8.25 x 0.79 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | numerous photos and drawings |
Publisher: | Chilton Automotive Books (USA, 2001) |
Series: | Chilton Auto Repair Manual (70200) |
ISBN: | 9780801990731 |
More information on the Chilton Repair Manuals
How To Restore Your Volkswagen Beetle
Perhaps the most charismatic automobile ever, the Volkswagen Beetle was the longest-running, most-manufactured automobile on a single platform of all time. From 1938 to 2003, more than 21.5 million "Bugs" were assembled, distributed, and sold on nearly every continent in the world.
Throughout the Beetle's successful run, many of these cars have been relegated to project car status due to their age or condition.
Airkooled Kustoms, a VW restoration shop in Hazel Green, Alabama, brings its expertise in restoring these cars to book form with this all-encompassing compilation. Restoring your Beetle is covered through step-by-step sequences from unbolting that first nut through polishing the paint on your freshly restored Bug. The specialists at Airkooled Kustoms walk you through the proper disassembly methods, restoring versus replacing components, and reassembling your restored Bug, covering everything related to the body, undercarriage, and interior along the way.
This thorough, hands-on restoration book has been authored by authorities who know the Beetle like the back of their hands. With this book, you will have everything you need to bring your old or new Beetle project back to life.
Product details
Author: | Eric LeClair, Susan Anderson |
Details: | 168 pages, 28 x 21.5 cm / 11 x 8.5 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | 596 colour photos |
Publisher: | CarTech Inc (USA, 2019) |
Series: | S-A Design Workbench |
ISBN: | 9781613254271 |
More information on the CarTech Workbench books
VW Classic Beetle
The original air-cooled VW Beetle is a hugely distinctive and popular classic car with over 21 million produced over a 65-year period. It is also an ideal starter classic for anyone looking to get their hands dirty.
This is a volume in the Maintenance and Upgrades Manual series from Crowood Press which are based on real-life experience and written by expert authors.
This book includes:
- An illustrated timeline to the various models produced and a useful buyers' guide with a systematic approach.
- Information on workshop tools and equipment and a service and maintenance schedule.
- How to maintain all aspects of the engine, transmission, brakes and bearings, suspension and electrics are covered.
- Information on modifications and upgrades for the engine, brakes and suspension including front beam, dropped spindles, spring plates, air ride, and wheels and tyres is included.
- Troubleshooting tips for when your car won't start or won't go into gear is given and finally, tips on restoration of the paint and bodywork, or respray.
- Useful chapters on fitting an Isofix base for a child safety seat, as well as fire suppression.
Product details
Author: | James Peene |
Details: | 192 pages, 29.5 x 21 x 1.9 cm / 11.6 x 8.25 x 0.75 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | numerous colour photos |
Publisher: | The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2022) |
Series: | Maintenance and Upgrades Manual |
ISBN: | 9780719840135 |
How to Modify Volkswagen Beetle Suspension, Brakes & Chassis for High Performance (Veloce SpeedPro)
The first reference book devoted solely to Beetle chassis, suspension and braking systems. Suitable for the home enthusiast as well as the more experienced mechanic.
Includes detailed coverage of the process for shortening the Beetle floorpan for kit-cars and dune buggies. All the information is based on practical experience of specialist VW mechanics.

Covers front and rear suspension, chassis integrity, suspension geometry, ride height, camber, castor, kpi, springs, shock absorbers, testing and adjustment.
Applies to all air-cooled-type Volkswagen Beetles, but does NOT cover MacPherson strut-type front suspension found on 1302 and 1303 models.
Product details
Author: | James Hale |
Details: | 128 pages, 25 x 20.5 x 1.1 cm / 9.8 x 8.1 x 0.43 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | 220 b&w photos and drawings |
Publisher: | Veloce Publishing Ltd (GB, 2005) |
Series: | SpeedPro |
ISBN: | 9781903706992 |
Baja Bugs & Buggies - How to Prepare VW-Based Cars for Off-Road Fun and Racing
The VW Beetle is uniquely suited for off-road use. Its torsion-arm front suspension and lightweight engine and transaxle make it natural. It you didn't know better, you'd think Dr. Ferdinand Porsche designed the Beetle to race the Baja.
Veteran off-road racer, Jeff Hibbard, details the do's and don'ts of off-road preparation. Whether you build your car for recreation or full-race, this book has a plan for you.
Avoid building a cosmetic off-road car. Learn what breaks and how to prevent it from breaking. Learn how to spend your off-road dollars wisely. This book is a must for sedan and buggy off-roaders alike!
Product details
Author: | Jeff Hibbard |
Details: | 160 pages, 28 x 21 x 1.6 cm / 11 x 8.25 x 0.63 in, paperback |
Illustrations: | profusely illustrated |
Publisher: | HP Books (USA, 1987) |
ISBN: | 9780895861863 |
Restaurez Réparez votre Coccinelle (3ème édition)
Restoration guide for Volkswagen Beetle cars from 1953-2003. Profusely illustrated, this volume of the "Restaurez Réparez" collection describes the complete restoration in words and pictures.
- Restore your VW Beetle with step-by-step instructions.
- Over 700 photos show you all the work in detail.
- The complete restoration is covered:
- body renovation (including replacement of the hood, fenders, windows, doors and bumpers)
- interior restoration (seat upholstery, dashboard and door panels)
- engine disassembly and installation
- electrical renovation (lamps, alternator, starter, wipers, etc.)
- chassis renovation (clutch, gearbox, suspension, brakes, steering). - Buying advice and information on the history and identification of the model.
- French edition of the Veloce book "How to Restore: Volkswagen Beetle".
Product details
Author: | Jim Tyler |
Details: | 224 pages, 27 x 21 cm / 10.6 x 8.25 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | 700 b&w and colour photos |
Publisher: | ETAI (F, 2018) |
Series: | Restaurez |
ISBN: | 9791028302825 |
Das VW Käfer Schrauberhandbuch (1953-2003)
This manual covers all aspects of a professional restoration of the VW Beetle. All years of manufacture from 1953 to 2003 are taken into account.
The different jobs are explained in detailed and illustrated step-by-step instructions. The author goes into detail about the making and adjustment of the sheet metal and explains the basics of welding. The restoring of the other technical areas of the vehicle is also explained in detail.

Of course, tips for a perfect paint job and professional preparation of the interior are also included. There is also a detailed chapter with purchasing advice.
The wealth of information makes this book a true bible for everyone who owns one of these classics from Wolfsburg or is thinking about buying a Beetle.
German edition of the Veloce Enthusiast's Restoration Manual "How to restore: Volkswagen Beetle".

Product details
Author: | Jim Tyler |
Details: | 220 pages, 27 x 21.5 cm / 10.6 x 8.5 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | 700 colour photos |
Publisher: | Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2005) |
ISBN: | 9783898804233 |
De VW Kever - Eigenschappen, onderhoud en reparatie
Beetles are good cars. But they are also old cars. This Duch manual covers the most important aspects of using and maintaining the Volkswagen Beetle.
Of course, there is also a lot of information about hunting for and purchasing such an air-cooled friend, defects that are typical of the Beetle and how it can (still) pass an MOT test.
In addition, many photos are used to discuss what specialist companies can offer you, what you can do with a Beetle: in addition to just driving, this also includes racing and rallying.
Theory and practice alternate, supported by many photos taken on location by specialists.
Contents
- History in a nutshell
- Identification and construction
- The perils surrounding the purchase of a Beetle
- The most important thing: maintenance of the Beetle
- The Beetle undergoes the necessary operations
- Engine overhaul
- Work on the bodywork
- All kinds of practical matters
- Making the Beetle a little faster
- Electrical installation; the Beetle under tension
- Diagnosis of the electrical installation
- Faults caused by defects in carburetion
- The Beetle hobby; the Beetle as a toy.
Product details
Author: | Atte Roskam |
Details: | 176 pages, 30 x 21.5 cm / 11.8 x 8.5 in, hardback |
Illustrations: | profusely illustrated |
Publisher: | MK Publishing (NL, 2007) |
ISBN: | 9789089370013 |
De VW Kever - Eigenschappen, onderhoud en reparatie
Language: Dutch
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The TMB Bookshop presents not only technical books on VW . Click here to discover all books on VW (including make histories, type overviews, books about certain models, road test collections, etc.).
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