by all means check out several different places to get the vanagon or bus
bentley manuals ... if you order from Bentley, it will cost you a bundle.
likewise, a lot of dealers will charge you retail (or more). however, SOME
vw dealer parts depts. will sell it cheaper. so check around. check the ads
in HOT VWs, VW TRENDS, and EUROPEAN CAR.

examples:
Auto-Bound, inc. (california)  (800) 523-5833 orders
80-91 vanagon   $84.95         (510) 521-8630 info
68-79 bus       $34.95
63-67 type 2    $94.95

United German Imports (new jersey) (800) 844-3712 orders
80-91 Vanagon $69.00               (201) 402-8138 info
68-79 Bus     ...not listed/call...

Timmons VW (california)            (800) 266-3247
no prices listed

Jim Ellis VW (georgia)             (800) 653-5547
80-91 Vanagon $65.00 (last time i got one)
68-79 Bus     $45.00 (i think)

Gene Berg (california)              (714) 998-7500
no prices listed

Barrett Enterprises (california)    (818) 967-5171
1963-1967 type 2        $69.95
Idiot's Guide           $15.95
others not listed

Performance Specialties (california)  (310) 220-1141
80-91 vanagon           $55.00   (yup, that's five-five)
68-79 bus               $23.00   (yup, that's two-three)
63-67 type 2            $62.00
Idiot's Guide           $18.00

these are by no means the ONLY people who sell the books, just the ones that
advertised in those magazines. and some of them don't have the same ad in each
magazine, so you have to look in at least two.  it helps to SEE one of the
books, so you can decide whether you want to get one. but my feeling is that
if you are planning on keeping the car and working on it yourself, you'd be
well rewarded for the money spent. besides, it's kinda fun to look through an
anatomy book for your bus. :)

joel