EMPI Trigger Shifter — Copper-Plated, Rosewood Knob, Short 12" O.A.L. | VW Type 1, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing (00-4472-2)

EMPI Trigger Shifter — Copper-Plated, Rosewood Knob, Short 12" O.A.L. | VW Type 1, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing (00-4472-2)

The one that finishes an interior. The EMPI Trigger Shifter 00-4472-2 is the copper-plated 12" short shifter topped with a genuine rosewood knob — the combination that ties into a wood steering wheel and tan upholstery instead of fighting it.

This is the show-interior short shifter. Where the black and chrome versions are chosen for function or for shine, the copper-and-rosewood pairing is chosen because it matches: the same warm wood as a classic three-spoke wheel, the same copper tone people run on trim rings and shift knob spacers. The 12" length keeps it in the short, low-clearance category — the right pick for lowered seats, a full tunnel console, or a buggy where a taller lever would look and feel wrong.

Best for: Cal-look and Resto-Cal builds, wood-wheel interiors, show cars, and any short-length application where the shifter is meant to be looked at.

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
• Dune buggy, Baja and kit cars built on the Type 1 floorpan

Will not fit: VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2) — the Bus sits the driver far forward of the shifter and needs the 23.5" extra-long shifter instead (see 00-4473-2 for the copper rosewood Bus version). 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

• Short 12" overall length: the shortest Type 1 length EMPI offers — 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.
• Genuine rosewood knob: warm grain that matches classic wood steering wheels and period accessory trim.
• Copper-plated shaft: the finish that reads correct next to tan, oxblood and houndstooth upholstery.
• Bolt-in replacement: uses the stock shifter base plate and mounting bolts. No cutting, drilling or transmission modification.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: EMPI 00-4472-2
• Finish: Copper-plated
• Shift Knob: Round rosewood knob (included, installed)
• Overall Length: 12" (short 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: 707924577983
• Cross-reference: C13-4472-2

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

• Will the rosewood knob match a wood steering wheel? Rosewood is a natural material, so grain and tone vary piece to piece — it will read as the same warm family as a classic rosewood or mahogany wheel rather than an exact match. Most builders find that reads better than a perfect match anyway.
• Should I get the 12" or the 13.5" copper rosewood shifter? Measure your seating position. The 12" (this part, 00-4472-2) sits low and is what you want with lowered seats, a full console, or a buggy floor. The 13.5" (00-4474-2) puts the knob near factory height and is the more comfortable reach in a stock-height car with original seats.
• How do I care for the rosewood knob? Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth and treat it once or twice a year with a wood-friendly oil or a light furniture wax. Avoid solvent-based interior cleaners and armor-type protectants — they will dull the finish over time.
• Does it still have the reverse lock-out? Yes. The trigger and lock-out mechanism are identical across the whole EMPI trigger shifter range; only finish and length change between part numbers.
• Is there a matching knob spacer? Yes — EMPI's copper trigger shifter knob spacer (98-4453-0) closes the gap between the knob and the trigger for a finished look, and there is a chrome version (98-4452-0) if you are mixing finishes.
• What is the part number? EMPI 00-4472-2, UPC 707924577983. Copper-plated with rosewood knob, 12" short, Type 1 / Ghia / Thing.

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⚠️ 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.