Golf Mk1 Cabriolet - Gear Selector Off-Center

Hi all, this is my first post up on these forums

I bought my Golf Mk1 Cabriolet GTI 1987 in Sept last year and since covered it up. I’ve opened it up this week and hope to start working on it slowly.
I’ve been curious about this - the gear selector stick in the cabin is off center - the stick is further back and left.
I’m wondering if it was factory built like this? I hope to align it to the center but I’ve not found any guides online. I’ve had a quick look at the stick myself but I don’t think anyone has intentionally fitted the selector off center.

Is anyone able to help? I’ll take a picture and add it on here
Thanks 👍🏽

MMMM, Manual or Automatic?  year and Model.

Ahh, forgot the most important details!
Manual gearbox, 1987, Mk1 Cabriolet GTi, DX engine. Gearbox type is rubbed off but I think it’s ACD if that exists?

Some pictures of what I mean

You will have reset the linkage it's not a bad job for couple people put car into neutral and then disconnect linkages under the car you can then mess about until you come to setting a 13mm or 10mm gap. Theres a how to somewhere in technical.. search gear selector

Thanks for the advice, I’ll have a go in this lovely weather!

It my understanding that they were offset like this so there was room for the exhaust underneath.

Steve1973 said

It my understanding that they were offset like this so there was room for the exhaust underneath.

I was underneath the car today - I think you may be right. The main rod between the gearbox/linkages and the gear selector is shaped along to fit alongside the exhaust. I can't see how the gear selector can be centred inside the cabin - oh well!

jevanbh1 said

Steve1973 said

It my understanding that they were offset like this so there was room for the exhaust underneath.

I was underneath the car today - I think you may be right. The main rod between the gearbox/linkages and the gear selector is shaped along to fit alongside the exhaust. I can't see how the gear selector can be centred inside the cabin - oh well!

Eh? The gear stick should be nice and central. Sitting between 1st and third when out of gear.  If not then the 6 mk1s on my drive are all fxxked. Add to that the other 5 vw models.. read the how to..and enjoy the crawling about under The car .

Gear Linkage Change (Page 1) - The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

Kenneth Cartwright said

jevanbh1 said

Steve1973 said

It my understanding that they were offset like this so there was room for the exhaust underneath.

I was underneath the car today - I think you may be right. The main rod between the gearbox/linkages and the gear selector is shaped along to fit alongside the exhaust. I can't see how the gear selector can be centred inside the cabin - oh well!

Eh? The gear stick should be nice and central. Sitting between 1st and third when out of gear.  If not then the 6 mk1s on my drive are all fxxked. Add to that the other 5 vw models.. read the how to..and enjoy the crawling about under The car .

Gear Linkage Change (Page 1) - The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

Well in all fairness, I have an automatic. So in this case I will bow to your superiority.

Steve1973 said

Kenneth Cartwright said

jevanbh1 said

Steve1973 said

It my understanding that they were offset like this so there was room for the exhaust underneath.

I was underneath the car today - I think you may be right. The main rod between the gearbox/linkages and the gear selector is shaped along to fit alongside the exhaust. I can't see how the gear selector can be centred inside the cabin - oh well!

Eh? The gear stick should be nice and central. Sitting between 1st and third when out of gear.  If not then the 6 mk1s on my drive are all fxxked. Add to that the other 5 vw models.. read the how to..and enjoy the crawling about under The car .

Gear Linkage Change (Page 1) - The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

Well in all fairness, I have an automatic. So in this case I will bow to your superiority.

Haha superiority not at all ..just some idiot whom thought buying cars with overtime money was better than pxxxing it up wall like I used to..  never had a automatic in old car.  First autobox I had was in a 1998 plate 406 coupe v6… never had issue with it did 1 oil change..then next was in my 330bmw 2013  again no issues at all so never even looked at changing oil.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/392732671404

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192457669910

Have used part set from each of above links.. sometimes even changing a couple of parts whilst messing about helps improve feel and selection. Pity cant supply the 2nd person to help,rather than going in out of car to keep checking..but can be done and no rush. Did same on my t25 camper at xmas, gear selections was hitting dash until I shortened the linkages

Hi, sorry I definitely wasn't clear in my posts. Newbie and all!

I understand that the gear linkages and the selector lever can be adjusted and I have started this by following the technical guide.
I originally meant the Bearing Assembly part which holds the gear selector in place in the cabin - my fourth picture/part number 171711247. I didn't understand why it's offset in the cabin but looking at the whole system, I think Steve1973 is right, it seems like this was the design.

Lol

Lol lol posting..

Maybe it's been redrilled but my cars are as old and same dx engine. Pull the plate up and have a look maybe previously remove and placed there for mr tickle..

hi did you message me on eBay mate

07739608140