How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive 19 Ed: A Manual of Step-by-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot

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Summary: a self explainatory title
Review: The title of this book is a rarity- it's self explainatory.With the earlier edition, I( a person who has always considered mechanics as some kind of witch doctor)was able to ressurect my '71 bus. The book makes no mention of sacrificing chickens, but all the proper rituals involving tools are included. Seriously, while you really need a Haynes manual on your particular VW ( "Alive"can be a little short on specs)the book explains more clearly than any manual I've seen because it assumes you have no idea what you're doing.If you do, then it also has all sorts of quirks,tricks, and shortcuts that you could be ten years learnig or paying someone else to do for you.

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Summary: Zen and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance
Review: The book is a philosophy lesson disguised as a repair manual. I will buy a copy for each of my sons. The book helped me completely rebuild my VW engine some thirty years ago. The car got totalled later that summer when I foolishly turned left in front of an oncoming Dodge but that is another story. Inside you learn about how machines work, how to fix them, and how to think about maintenance. It helps if you love Volkswagens.

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Summary: Must have...whether you own one or are shopping for one!
Review: Whether you're an accomplished mechanic or a first timer, this book lays out the unique features of the old VW's in plain, easily understood language and procedures. I've been building VW engines for 11 years, and always refer to this book first!

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Summary: Buy this book! A must for the mechanically declined
Review: 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!

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Summary: A nessasary book to any Volkswagen maintenance Library
Review: Having been a factory VW/Audi technician in a deal ership, I use this book often in my past and current repair work. It is down to earth and guides you all along the way step by step. It warns you of up coming problems and maintenance tips to keep you ahead of your maintenance and repairs. It gives you the confidence to do the job yourself or tells you at what point you need to take it to a shop. Good troubleshooting and emergency repair guide.Good illiustrations and even shows you how to build special tools,thus saving you money. M.C.

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Summary: Excellent!!
Review: This is a terrific book to add to your library of books for VW's. The author has a unique style lacking in other service manuals. You will not be disappointed with your purchase. You will save at least the cost of the book when you perform your first repairs. The author gives you the confidence to "go ahead and do it"!

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Summary: An absolute necessity for the Beetleist
Review: Ok, so this book doesn't stand alone. You need at least one other shop manual, if only for the pictures... but this is the book that helps the other book make sense, with simple how-to explanations, plus helpful "why-is-this?" tracts. If you're considering buying an old VW, just include this twenty bucks in the purchase price (or include about $300-500 for the first six months of repairs and maintenance!) If you already have a VW, PUT THIS IN YOUR SHOPPING CART NOW. I'm buying my second copy of the Idiot Book because my first copy was one of the only things removed when my car was stolen last month. Someone had their priorities straight, sort of.

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Summary: You need this book.
Review: I first bought this book in 1973. If you don't buy it, you shouldn't be driving.

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Summary: I love the book , will own one to refer to before 1998.
Review: The book is self explanatory. I have checked this book out of the library twice. I figured after that, might as well not be a hog and buy a copy of it. I will buy one before 1997 is over and I ain't gonna steal it

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Summary: An excellent repair manual! Buy it if you like your VW!
Review: Commonly referred to as the "Idiot Manual" or the "Muir Book" among VW fanatics. It covers all air cooled VW models. It is a book that I love and cherish! It is different than any other auto manual you've ever see. It is aimed at the complete idiot! It has NO pictures and only hand drawings and illustrations. This makes all illustrations very clear because it leaves out all the extraneous stuff that photos include. It has lots of text but this is a good thing. John Muir is an old hippie that loved his VW's. He instills this love in all his readers as well. This book's strong point is teaching this love of your car as well as teaching you the ongoing maintenance. I feel the tune-up and maintenance portion of this book is better than the other books. The other big plus of this book is that it's just plain fun to read. I've read it cover to cover a few times. It's that entertaining! The only weak part of this book is for serious (professional) mechanic's who want a technical manual for ALL parts of the bus. for example, here is an actual quote from the book. "The trans (transaxle) overhaul is not in this book. Not only can't you do it but we won't either." I don't mind that one bit! I couldn't do it so I appreciate them telling me. It covers the basic maintenance and repair (99% of anything you will need done on your car/bus) in a clearer, step by step, way than any other book. If I had to have only one repair book, this would be it, without question.