EMPI Trigger Shifter — Copper-Plated, Black Knob, Short 12" O.A.L. | VW Type 1, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing (00-4472-0)

EMPI Trigger Shifter — Copper-Plated, Black Knob, Short 12" O.A.L. | VW Type 1, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing (00-4472-0)

Copper, without the wood. The EMPI Trigger Shifter 00-4472-0 pairs a copper-plated 12" short shaft with a plain round black knob — the understated way into the copper look, and the least expensive copper shifter EMPI makes.

Copper plating is the finish that separates a considered air-cooled interior from a catalog one: warmer than chrome, it picks up tan and oxblood upholstery and reads as period-correct in a way polished steel does not. This version keeps the black knob rather than rosewood, which does two useful things — it drops the price, and it keeps the copper as a single accent instead of a matched wood-and-copper statement. At 12" overall it is the short, low-clearance length, so it suits lowered cars and console builds where a 13.5" lever would stand too tall.

Best for: Cal-look and resto-mod interiors that already have a black knob or black shift boot, buggy and console builds needing the short length, and anyone who wants copper on a budget.

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. 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 black plastic knob installed and the EMPI logo cast into the trigger — no separate knob to buy.
• Copper-plated shaft, black knob: the accent finish without committing to a matched rosewood set.
• Short 12" length: low knob height for lowered seats, buggies and full-length tunnel consoles.
• Bolt-in replacement: uses the stock shifter base plate and mounting bolts. No cutting, drilling or transmission modification.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: EMPI 00-4472-0
• Finish: Copper-plated
• Shift Knob: Round black plastic 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: 707924575798

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 00-4472-0 and 00-4472-2? The knob. Both are copper-plated 12" short shifters with the same reverse lock-out trigger and the same fitment. 00-4472-0 comes with a round black knob; 00-4472-2 comes with a round rosewood knob. The rosewood version costs a little more and is the one people pair with a wood steering wheel.
• Does copper plating tarnish? It will patina over time, especially where your hand touches it — that is part of why people choose it. If you want it bright, an occasional wipe with a metal polish brings it back; if you want it to age, leave it alone and it will darken to a warm bronze. Either way the finish is decorative and does not affect function.
• Can I put a different knob on it later? Yes. The knob threads onto the shaft, so you can move to rosewood, a billet knob, or a period accessory knob later. EMPI also sells a knob spacer in copper (98-4453-0) if you want the transition between shaft and knob to look finished.
• Is copper a real plating or just a coating? It is plated onto the steel shaft, the same process family as the chrome versions. It is a decorative finish, not structural — the shifter underneath is the same forged and stamped unit used across the range.
• What is the part number? EMPI 00-4472-0, UPC 707924575798. Copper-plated with black 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.