VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia: 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.

Information

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.

Information

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

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.

Information

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 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.

Information

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

VW Classic Beetle is the latest in the Maintenance and Upgrades Manual series which are based on real-life experience and written by expert authors.
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 new 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.

Information

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.

Information

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

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 workshop manual on 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, air conditioning, fuel system, exhaust and the electrical system. Additionally, it covers 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 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.

Information

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

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!

Information

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 Réparer" 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".

Information

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)

One of the most comprehensive works covers all aspects of a professional restoration of the VW Beetle. All years of manufacture from 1953 to 2003 are taken into account.
The important work is explained in detailed and illustrated step-by-step instructions. The author goes into detail about the production and adjustment of the sheet metal and explains the basics of welding. The processing 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 on the subject of 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".

Information

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.

Information

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