How many ?

[82EtherBunny]

I've searched the internet and can't find any of the info I'm looking for.  I have an 82 4 door Rabbit, diesel 5 speed.  Just want to know how many came with the 5 instead of the 4 speed.

Thanks

[ORCoaster]

I thought that by Mid 81 most of the transmissions were the 5 not 4 speed one.  Weren't they looking for mileage at that point in the game?  That is why they changed the 5th ratio

[Dakotakid]

Right in there, VW started fitting that annoying "3+E" dreaded 4-speed trans apparently as a way to cut costs? That may have been in that '82 model year.

[82EtherBunny]

Another question:

How many were produced with the rear wiper ?

Thanks

[Dakotakid]

I don't think your car is destined for Jay Leno's garage...if THAT is the question here.

[82EtherBunny]

Nope, don't think so either.  Just read somewhere that it was a dealer installed option.  Any truth to that ?  I keep looking for a site that lists production numbers and other info, not so much luck.  A little on Samba, some on Rusty Rabbit, some on VWVortex and CabbyInfo.  Trying to get to know the rabbit that bears me.

[Dakotakid]

Well in that case.....I bet you have an "LS" model car. Those had the upper-trim stuff.

Seeing how it is an '82, you may have an 11 mm head bolt engine OR a 12 mm head bolt engine. If you have a "JK" code engine that will be the 12 mm and the JK blocks are pretty darn good blocks. If you have a "CK" code....don't plan on rebuilding it. THAT will be an 11 mm.

The poor Rabbits were notorious for leaking water around that driver-side windshield and zorching the fuse box down there. Look for evidence of corrosion on the fuse panel. If it is clean now....be happy. If you see corrosion....determine how to tackle the problem very soon.

Other than the above, I can't remember any "landmark" aspects of '82 models. Seems like they were heavy on the velour (ick!). Some of them had the stupid passive-restraint belts. The Rabbits of that era will take a pretty good 360 degree roll. All bets are off on the second 360 though!

[82EtherBunny]

Thanks for the info.  I'll check the fusebox.  There does seem to be more rust on the driver's side than the passenger's.  As long as it's not structural, I'm planning on using clear Por-15 to seal it off.  I like patina.  As for trim, it has a woodgrain dash, ugly as sin cloth seats, fender flairs and black painted bumpers.  I read about a "Black Tie" edition, but not sure what else to look for.  I'll check the engine codes and see what I have there. 

For now, I'm ordering struts, springs and anything else I find when I'm doing the suspension.  Got my 80's era Panasonic cassette radio, Kenwood EQ Amp and Pioneer 4"X6" speakers for all 4 corners.

You have no idea how glad I am that the shifter is tight, I hate rebuilding them.  Probably the biggest reason I bought the car.

Thanks again for all the info.