Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've had experience with the restoration of a number of vintage cars in the past so after I purchased a 1963 Volkswagen convertible I started to do my homework which consisted of reading everything I could find online about these cars as well as purchasing this book. The main gripe I have with the book centers around the misleading title. This book is not a "restoration manual" but rather a repair manual. That may seem like a petty statement but it is actually an important difference to note for those people who are looking for a reference book to guide them in a proper and correct restoration of a Volkswagen Beetle. I'm not saying that it's necessarily a bad book..in fact as a repair guide it's quite helpful especially in regards to the most involved body repairs. There are an extensive amount of color photos documenting many of the procedures however none of them provide any insight into what would be a considered a "correct" restoration.
Beyond my disappointment with the lack of correct resto info, I would also have to take issue with some of the bodywork procedures outlined in the book. Among the dubious methods employed in some of the extensive repairs were brazed together panels (as opposed to a proper weld) or overlapping patch panels instead of properly fitting and butt-welding the panels. While I realize that plenty of people, past and present, utilize these bodyworking methods, they are considered to be far less than ideal and can often lead to more problems down the road.
The mechanical repairs covered in the book seem to be soild and well thought out. Just as in the bodywork section, repair text is supported by an extensive amount of photos. I have several other books covering the mechanical aspects of the type 1 Volkswagen so I was not as concerned about the detail in this area. If someone was looking for reference covering just the mechanical repairs I might suggest some other books first such as John Muir's "How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive", the Haynes Rapair Manual or the Bentley shop manuals.
Overall I could recommend this book but only with the notes that I have mentioned. In the end, there are not too many Volkswagen books available so even books that are mediocre are probably worth picking up.
Click Here to see more reviews about: How to Restore Volkswagen Beetle (Enthusiast's Restoration Manuals)
Tells even those owners without technical knowledge nor previous car restoration experience how to completely restore their Volkswagen Beetle's bodywork, interior, mechanical and electrical components. All you need to know - in step-by-step detail - to make your Beetle like new again. An essential guide for millions of VW Beetle owners around the world.
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