Gearbox-rebuild or replace

As it stands at the moment my 1983 mk1 golf crunches in 3rd gear which has been diagnosed as a damaged synchro, last week I had to be towed home because my gearstick was jammed in 4th gear, strangely enough when the car was pulled onto the truck it became ok & I had gears again. Linkage was checked & all ok.
Now, I still need to sort the problem out but can't decide the best option, replace the gearbox or have the current one rebuilt.
Couple of questions too,
Would I be right in thinking removal of the box is straight forward once the car is on axle stands?
The engine & gearbox are from a 1986 scirocco gtx, anyone know the gearbox code & which other boxes will bolt straight on?
What sort of price would I be looking at for a used replacement?
What sort of price would I be looking for a recon box?
I'm based in the midlands, can anyone recommend somewhere for rebuild or used replacement?

Thanks in advance

I would suggest your gearbox would be an O20, I can't be more specific than that.

If I was you I would buy a second hand box off of ebay or a breakers yard, and while your there buy yourself a new clutch, then get your car on axel stands and use something to support the engine, then drop the driveshafts off, remove the starter, take all the bolts out and then ease the gearbox off you could use your jack to support it if its too heavy. Replace your clutch then fit the second hand box.

I'm sure someone will correct me, but I think most of the O20 boxes are the same. The younger units tend to hold their values a bit, but you could pick up a replacement for under £40 I would think.

Then you could buy all the bits to repair your old box, and then you've got a decent spare should something happen to the replacement.

Yeah what he says! never done a clutch on my back but there not hard at all. I had my box on the floor in an hour. I did have a lift and a tool chest full of tools though!

020 Are all the same. Mk1/mk2/ early mk3. Get one with similar ratios and FD if your happy with the set up though. I think any 020 with 22 mm input shaft will fit. I think rubjonny will be along to correct or confirm!

Recon boxes come in at about 275 - 325

I may be interested in buying your box if you do buy another! Try and find the code. Should be 2 digits! ; )

Cheers for the replies,

Decided to take the car to a garage so that i could get it up on the ramps, check the linkage, check which gearbox i need and confirm that the synchromesh did need replacing.

Turns out the linkage was all loose which would explain getting jammed in 4th gear, sychro mesh does need replacing & the box is an 020 which shouldn't be too hard to find, next step is to source a gearbox ideally close to me & get it swapped over, got quoted 110 to swap the boxes which i thought was a little high, however time depending i might do it myself.

Possie, i'll probably keep the old box and get the parts to repair it, cheers for the offer though

Jeevesraf, any particular reason why you mention getting the clutch too

Worth a try!! ;-)