EMPI Trigger Shifter — Copper-Plated, Rosewood Knob, Extra-Long 23.5" O.A.L. | VW Bus / Type 2 1960–1979 (00-4473-2)

EMPI Trigger Shifter — Copper-Plated, Rosewood Knob, Extra-Long 23.5" O.A.L. | VW Bus / Type 2 1960–1979 (00-4473-2)

The Bus shifter for a build that gets looked at. The EMPI Trigger Shifter 00-4473-2 is the 23.5" extra-long Bus-specific shifter in copper plating with a genuine rosewood knob — Bus geometry, show-car finish.

A Bus cab is mostly flat metal and a big steering wheel, which is exactly why the shifter is one of the few places a finish choice registers. This is the only copper-and-rosewood shifter in the correct 23.5" Bus length; every other copper trigger shifter EMPI makes is a 12" or 13.5" Type 1 unit that would leave the knob out of reach in a Transporter. Function is identical to the black Bus shifter — same extra-long shaft, same sliding reverse lock-out trigger — the difference is that this one belongs in a finished cab next to a wood wheel.

Best for: Restored and show-finished 1960–1979 Buses, especially Split-Window and Early Bay builds running a wood steering wheel.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1960–1979 — Split-Window, Early Bay and Late Bay

Will not fit: Beetle, Super Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3 or Thing — those use the much shorter Type 1 shifter (see 00-4472-2 and 00-4474-2 for the copper rosewood Type 1 versions). Manual transmission only; not for Auto-Stick.

Which EMPI Trigger Shifter Do I Need?

Every EMPI trigger shifter uses the same sliding reverse lock-out mechanism. What changes between part numbers is finish, knob and overall length — and length is the one that decides whether it fits your car comfortably. Short 12" suits lowered seats, full consoles, buggies and kit cars. Long 13.5" suits stock-height cars on factory seats. Extra-long 23.5" is Bus-only.

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI has been building air-cooled VW performance and restoration parts since 1956, and the trigger shifter is one of the designs the brand is known for. Every unit ships as a complete assembly with the knob installed and the EMPI logo cast into the trigger. Washburn's Metal stocks the full trigger shifter range so you can match finish and length to the build rather than settling for whatever a catalog had left.

Key Features & Benefits

• Extra-Long 23.5" overall length: sized to the Bus driving position — see the comparison table above.
• Sliding reverse lock-out trigger: reverse stays blocked until you lift the trigger, so you cannot catch it on a downshift.
• Complete assembly: ships with the round rosewood knob installed and the EMPI logo cast into the trigger — no separate knob to buy.
• Correct 23.5" Bus length: reaches the Bus driving position, which no Type 1 shifter can.
• Copper shaft with rosewood knob: the only Bus-length trigger shifter EMPI offers in the show finish.
• Bolt-in replacement: uses the stock shifter base plate and mounting bolts. No cutting, drilling or transmission modification.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: EMPI 00-4473-2
• Finish: Copper-plated
• Shift Knob: Round rosewood knob (included, installed)
• Overall Length: 23.5" (extra-long style)
• Reverse Lock-Out: Yes — sliding trigger
• Fits: VW Bus (Type 2) 1960–1979
• Transmission: Manual only
• Sold As: Each
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 lb
• Boxed Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 3.25 in
• UPC: 707924577990
• Cross-reference: C13-4473-2

Installation Notes

On a Bus the shifter mounts to a plate on the tunnel ahead of the seats, with a long shift rod running back to the transmission. Removal and installation is a hand-tool job: lift the boot, unbolt the base plate, lift the old lever out with its spring and stop plate, drop the new shifter in and bolt back down. Because the plate is already off, this is the sensible time to replace the shifter bushing, the base plate gasket and — if the shift feel has been getting worse for years — the shift coupler at the transmission. On a Bus in particular, the long linkage means the coupler and rod bushings account for most of the slop; a new lever alone will not tighten those.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this the same shifter as 00-4509-0 with a nicer finish? Functionally yes. Both are the 23.5" extra-long Bus trigger shifter with the sliding reverse lock-out. 00-4509-0 is black powder-coated with a black knob; 00-4473-2 is copper-plated with a rosewood knob. Same fitment, same mechanism, different presence in the cab.
• Will 23.5" be too long for my Bus? No — 23.5" is the correct Bus length. It looks startling next to a Beetle shifter, but the Bus driver sits far forward of the shifter tower, and a shorter shaft would put the knob down near the floor behind you.
• Will it fit a 1979 Bay Window? Yes. EMPI lists 1960–1979 Type 2 with a manual transmission, which covers Late Bay Buses through the end of air-cooled production in the US market. It is not for Auto-Stick Buses.
• Does the rosewood knob hold up to sun in a Bus? Buses put a lot of glass over the front seats, so expect the wood to lighten over years of direct sun the same way any wood trim does. Oiling it once or twice a year slows that considerably and keeps the grain from drying out.
• Should I replace the shift coupler at the same time? If the Bus has never had one and the shift feel has been getting worse, yes. Bus linkage is long and the coupler at the transmission is the usual culprit for vagueness. Replacing the shifter alone will improve the lever end but will not tighten a worn coupler.
• What is the part number? EMPI 00-4473-2, UPC 707924577990. Copper-plated with rosewood knob, 23.5" extra-long, VW Bus / Type 2 1960–1979.

Explore Related Categories

VW Bus · Drivetrain & Transmission · Transaxle Components · EMPI

⚠️ WARNING (California Prop 65): This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.