Gear selector confusion - 5 speed for early diesel

[discipleofsketch]

OK, so I have:-

- An early (1983) diesel which came with a 4-speed box
- Converted to a 5-speed petrol box (of unknown code, case is too corroded to read, maybe AAP)

Currently driving with a 4-speed stick and selector, but I want it set up with a proper 5-speed stick and selector, and i'm confused what to look for - the mechanic at my local independent VW place sais that as this is an early diesel, the bodyshell is basically the same as a petrol, so it's a petrol 5-speed gearstick (and associated stuff) that I need. He also mentioned looking specifically for a 5 speed gearstick from a 2.1 - not sure what the difference would be?

If anyone can shed some light on this it would be much appreciated!

[silverbullet]

There are only 4 different gear levers:
4 sp or 5 sp, RHD or LHD.
The diesels have a taller "tunnel" for the radiator so the cab floor is a bit higher in the middle, but the mounting point for the lever pivot ball is at the same height.
However, the rear selector rod and "cup" are specific to diesel or petrol: the diesel uses a taller cup iirc because the rod approaches from a slightly different angle (this is important, its about 15mm taller)

[discipleofsketch]

The diesels have a taller "tunnel" for the radiator so the cab floor is a bit higher in the middle, but the mounting point for the lever pivot ball is at the same height.

OK - I think this is important then - early diesels, like mine have a different radiator (i.e. different to later diesels), and therefore probably don't have the taller tunnel, which is why the mechanic thought it was a petrol bodyshell. So I could source any RHD 5-speed gear lever then?

However, the rear selector rod and "cup" are specific to diesel or petrol: the diesel uses a taller cup iirc because the rod approaches from a slightly different angle (this is important, its about 15mm taller)

OK, not sure which set-up I have there, I guess I need to get under there and photograph/ measure it - does the rod approach at a different angle because of the gearbox or the different bodyshell shape?

[silverbullet]

Easy way to tell the floor difference: pull the lever boot up and if the lever disappears down into a square well in the floor, its a diesel bodyshell.
As I understand it, the diesel engine sits lower in the body compared to a petrol, thus affects the line that the selector rod can take as well as the height of the rod support bearing in the transmission, so the taller cup is necessary.

[discipleofsketch]

Thanks for this silverbullet - it's starting to make sense now!

OK, now I think another area where i've been confused is that the "gear lever repair kit" sold by brickwerks comes in two versions - one for 12mm and one for 14mm shaft - apparently 12mm is for Aircooled and early CS diesels (like mine). I guess as I plan on replacing the lever anyway, this isn't relevant.

You don't happen to have an RHD 5-speed gearstick for sale?

[silverbullet]

I repair, reinforce and refurb them but only on exchange. I have only got one RHD 5-speed in stock and I dont mess with 4-speed at all. If you can find a dead (broken) 5-speed then I can exchange it.
£130 posted mainland UK.