Even though this book is dated it still points you in the right direction. For those who commented that it is a bit outdated I say YES it is but so is the aircooled vw. The parts interchange comments were particularly useful and the parts vendors are still around with improved versions of the very parts mentioned in this book. I got a lot of bang for the buck out of this book and thats why it gets five stars because it is the only book that covers this part of the vdub scene.

This is a great book that has a vast amount of information for aspiring Baja builders (like myself) and experienced builders.
There is a ton of information on every aspect of building a Baja bug. There is information on suspension work, tire and wheel combos, engine setup, different aspects of the car that need to be properly reinforced for offroad use, skidplates, and rollcages.
It is really nice how the author comments on wether or not certain modifications should be made for a daily driver bug or if modifications should only be done for serious off road racers.

It really is a good book, and will server as a good reference for all Baja builders.
The only downside to this book is that some of the information is outdated.

If you ever intend to take your Baja off road, you need to buy this book. I've read it cover to cover (twice) and learnt a whole heap of things I wish I knew when I built my first baja. It's full of tips picked up from years of racing which will undoubtedly save you many dollars and much heartache (and walking home).

It covers every aspect of building a baja/buggy, but the best part is it tells you how to build a rock solid off roader on a budget. In many cases the book advises against spending big money on shiny off the shelf parts because you can achieve the same results from recycling bits of scrap.

BUY IT....NOW!

Se voce esta procurando um livro que ensine como montar um "gaiola" ou "dune bug", esqueca este livro. Ele fala muito sobre motor, freio, etc. Sobre a estrutura, ou "frame", so da algumas dicas de como procurar para comprar. Ridiculo ne !

it have all you need to make a toy, iteresting at all.

it have all you need to make a toy, iteresting at all.

I once banged my head on a VW motor while trying to figure out how to check the oil level. Therefore, I think all Volkswagons should be destroyed as a result of them being so dangerous. So, I cannot recommend this book.

I once banged my head on a VW motor while trying to figure out how to check the oil level. Therefore, I think all Volkswagons should be destroyed as a result of them being so dangerous. So, I cannot recommend this book.

This Book is a little old but so is the Volkswagon Bug. Very good info as far as "Tips & Tricks" when building a Baja bug.

The book contains useful information drawn from experience. Good pictures. Not really a "Sandrail" book. Very good advice given by the author when talking about the engine. Would have liked to see more engine diagrams. The book is a bit dated-1983.

The best VW book I have ever brought. If you off-road a buggy it is an essential buy. After 10 years of abusing buggies there is not one thing in this book I would disagree with.
A definate buy!

The best VW book I have ever brought. If you off-road a buggy it is an essential buy. After 10 years of abusing buggies there is not one thing in this book I would disagree with.
A definate buy!

Hibbard really knows what he's talking about; he's raced and won off-road races, and built VW based races cars and buggies.

He offers good advice, and it doesn't always involve throwing more money at the problem.

On the downside, the book was written in 1983(?) and is a bit out of date. Obviously, the VW market has changed, and the book needs to be updated.

Overall, it's a good book, and worth the money if you're building a Baja bug or a fairly stock (Class 11) racer.

I was very glad to find this book. It is straight forward and full of photographs look at how to beef-up a VW based bug or buggy. There are tons of tricks ad tips in here that aren't HIGH DOLLAR jobs. Simple and easy things to do during your build up that will save you hours trying to go back and fix things later. It should be called How to do it right the First time! It is one of few auto books with real knowledge in it that skips the technical jargon and flashy billet parts and suggests things that will work!

You will be pleased with it wether you are building a Baja, Street Bug, Rail Buggy or Dune Buggy. The air cooled VW motor still rules an always will!

Excelente libro, de f�cil lectura y comprensi�n a�n para personas que no entienden ingl�s al 100%. Su valor est� en que el autor comparte sus experiencias y d� consejos al interesado en construir un Baja Bug para prop�sitos reacreativos y de competencia. He mostrado este libro a mec�nicos de competencia off-road aqu� en Baja California Sur (donde el Off - Road es el deporte principal) y se muestran muy interesados en su revisi�n...

Excelente libro, de fácil lectura y comprensión aún para personas que no entienden inglés al 100%. Su valor está en que el autor comparte sus experiencias y dá consejos al interesado en construir un Baja Bug para propósitos reacreativos y de competencia. He mostrado este libro a mecánicos de competencia off-road aquí en Baja California Sur (donde el Off - Road es el deporte principal) y se muestran muy interesados en su revisión...

Para os que n�o tem no ingles sua lingua prim�ria, este livro � extremamente simples, pela sua organiza��o, fotos elucidativas e de extrema qualidade editorial, mostrando que o escritor desenvolveu muito trabalho para sua conclus�o. Excelente!

Para os que não tem no ingles sua lingua primária, este livro é extremamente simples, pela sua organização, fotos elucidativas e de extrema qualidade editorial, mostrando que o escritor desenvolveu muito trabalho para sua conclusão. Excelente!

This has been the best investment I made when building my race baja bug. Lots of great tech information, do's and don'ts, and general helpful information. A must have for anyone building or thinking of building a baja bug.

This is an excellent book for first time builders and as a reference book for the more experienced. What made it so valuable to me is that Jeff explains the cost effective way to build buggies and baja bugs. No flashy boulevard queens here, just real world functional stuff. All the complicated aspects are explained. So read it, think about it, then go back and read it again. I have built two cars, a baja and a class 1/2 1600 and I still refer back to it for the detail technical facts. The only reason that I would not rate this book a 5 star is that I would like to see more information on none VW engines and the newer A-arm suspension cars.

This book covered all the important parts of a Baja Bug. It had chapters on a certain part of the car instead of all the car in one small chapter. It had long chapters on front suspension, rear suspension, engine mods. and so on. This is a must read for people who love off-roading or don't respect baja bugs.

This book is one of the few 'how-to' books available. It has the benefit of being written by an experienced racer (and fireman, so he's concerned with safety, not just going fast). It emphasizes the important parts of keeping a VW engine alive in rough conditions, prepping suspension, and gives the reader ideas on interior layout, lighting, and pros and cons of a variety of issues. Too bad it is getting dated; the massive changes in the past ten years for engines and suspensions are not included.

If you are thinking of building a Baja Bug there is little material available. Jeff Hibbard manages to cover all areas of construction in this comprehensive manual. Further chapters on driving tips and first-aid make this the perfect source for any prospective Baja burner.Not for the VW purist....