Club 80-90 Forums

I have recently been finishing an unfinished 1980 project van I bought. It has been fitted with a VW Vento 1.9 Diesel engine, with the 4 speed box from the original 1.6 petrol engine, resulting in a high revving diesel engine trying to cruise at 60+. It also 'crunches' into 3rd.. I recently spotted a derelict 1989 van outside a garage, on blocks. Peering thru the window I spotted a 5 speed gearstick. I haven't managed to catch the mechanic in yet to enquire, but I'm assuming this 5 speed box might be suitable for my van? A friend said to be sure and get all the linkage and gearstick too. Any advice? I assume I will have to get it removed before I can find out whether it's knackered or usable, as the van has quite obviously not been a runner for a long time.. Is it an expensive job to have a gearbox reconditioned? Or do you just walk away and keep looking? How much should I expect to pay to get it removed and handed over? Any advice gratefully received! Thanks.

cant comment about the state of the 5speeder youve found, thats a gamble.... however, if yours is a 1600ac thats been furtled with, it will be cable clutch.
if its 16d then you only need the linkages, and stick..... maybe the input shaft and bell housing off a derv box too.