Helpful resources for a bug mechanic
These are a bunch of resources I've found to be very helpful in my efforts to teach myself to maintain and restore an old Bug. Some explain how to do basic repairs and maintenance, some are resources for where to get parts, some describe modifications and other things that I've found inspiring, and others are things I've just found to be useful.
-John Muir's How to keep your Volkswagen alive: A manual of step-by-step procedures for the compleat idiot
Popularly known as the "Idiot Guide," the most famous about VW Bug repair, it is basically obligatory that every VW owner have this book as it is so intrinsically tied to all that owning an old VW means. Includes technical knowledge, repair proceedures, history, and even some philosophical discussions from the author's research and personal experience working on various models of Volkswagens. He includes a lot of his opinions on various topics, including advice to change some aspects of the design of the car, some of which the majority of mechanics disagree with.
-Robert Bentley's: Volkswagen Official Service Manual Type 1The official manual for working on late-model Beetles, Super Beetles, and Karmann Ghias, intended for shops and home mechanics. It is written from a more “neutral” viewpoint, a purely technical guide, compared with John Muir's “Idiot Guide.”
-Rob and Dave's Aircooled Volkswagen Pages
A very well complied web resource discussing many ideas and procedures in Volkswagen repairs. Compiled by the authors from personal experience, research, and contributions and ideas from other mechanics.
Aircooled.net
- An online vendor that sells stock and aftermarket parts for classic Volkswagens, sourced from various suppliers or made in-house. Also has technical advice sections and answers questions via e-mail.