EMPI Trigger Shifter — Copper-Plated, Rosewood Knob, Long 13.5" O.A.L. | VW Type 1, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing (00-4474-2)

Short answer: This is EMPI's 00-4474-2 copper-plated trigger shifter with a rosewood knob and long 13.5" overall length, a bolt-in replacement for manual-transmission 1949–1979 VW Beetle, 1971–1979 Super Beetle, 1956–1974 Karmann Ghia, 1962–1973 Type 3 and 1973–1974 Thing. It does not fit the Bus or Auto-Stick cars.

Same copper-and-rosewood pairing, raised to where your hand actually rests. The EMPI Trigger Shifter 00-4474-2 is the copper-plated long 13.5" shifter with a genuine rosewood knob — the show-finish option for a stock-height car with factory seats.

Length is the only thing separating this from 00-4472-2, and it is the difference between a shifter that looks right and one that also feels right in your car. In a stock-height Beetle, Ghia or Type 3 on original seats, 13.5" puts the rosewood knob near the factory position, so you are not dropping your hand toward the floor every time you take second. Choose it when the car has not been lowered and there is no full-length console competing for the space.

Best for: Stock-height Beetles, Super Beetles, Ghias and Type 3s with a wood-wheel or show interior — the comfortable-reach version of the copper rosewood shifter.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1949–1979
• VW Super Beetle: 1971–1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1974
• VW Type 3 (Fastback / Squareback / Notchback): 1962–1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973–1974

Will not fit: VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2) — the Bus needs the 23.5" extra-long shifter instead (see 00-4473-2 for the copper rosewood Bus version). Not recommended for dune buggies, Bajas or kit cars — use the 12" 00-4472-2 there. 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

• Long 13.5" overall length: near-stock knob height — 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.
• 13.5" long shaft: near-factory knob height for stock seating positions and taller drivers.
• Copper and rosewood: the matched show combination, in the length that suits an unlowered car.
• Bolt-in replacement: uses the stock shifter base plate and mounting bolts. No cutting, drilling or transmission modification.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: EMPI 00-4474-2
• Finish: Copper-plated
• Shift Knob: Round rosewood knob (included, installed)
• Overall Length: 13.5" (long style)
• Reverse Lock-Out: Yes — sliding trigger
• Fits: Type 1 / Ghia / Type 3 / Thing
• Transmission: Manual only
• Sold As: Each
• Shipping Weight: 2.59 lb
• Boxed Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 3 in
• UPC: 707924578003
• Cross-reference: C13-4474-2

Installation Notes

This is a tunnel-plate job and a straightforward one: lift the shift boot, unbolt the shifter base plate from the tunnel, lift the old lever out with its spring and stop plate, drop the new shifter in, and bolt the plate back down. Most owners have it done in an afternoon with hand tools. 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. A new lever tightens the driver's end of the linkage; the coupler and bushings are what tighten the rest of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between 00-4472-2 and 00-4474-2? Shaft length, and nothing else. 00-4472-2 is 12" overall (short); 00-4474-2 is 13.5" overall (long). Both are copper-plated with a rosewood knob, both have the reverse lock-out trigger, both fit Type 1, Ghia and Thing.
• Which one do most people buy for a stock Beetle? The 13.5" long version, this one — in a car that has not been lowered and still has factory seats, it keeps the knob at a comfortable height. Builders working on lowered cars, console builds and buggies go to the 12" instead.
• Will it fit a Karmann Ghia? Yes, 1956–1974 Ghias use the same tunnel shifter base plate as the Beetle. The Ghia's lower seating position is worth thinking about though — some Ghia owners prefer the 12" version for that reason.
• Does copper plating need different care than chrome? A little. Copper will darken and patina where hands touch it, which many builders want. If you prefer it bright, a light metal polish two or three times a year keeps it there. Chrome stays bright on its own but shows water spots more.
• Can I run this with a stock shift boot? Yes. The shaft passes through the standard shift boot opening; the boot sits at the base as it does with the factory lever. If your boot is old and cracked, replace it while the tunnel plate is off.
• What is the part number? EMPI 00-4474-2, UPC 707924578003. Copper-plated with rosewood knob, 13.5" long, Type 1 / Ghia / Thing.
• Are you an authorized dealer? Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer, so this is genuine EMPI stock shipped from our Orange, California shop.

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