Vintage Speed Classic Quick Shifter 23" | VW Split Bus 1960–1967, LHD & RHD | 35% Shorter Throw | Stainless, Black or Ivory (155-795-50SPT)
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Vintage Speed 23" Classic Quick Shifter for the 1960–1967 VW Split-Window Bus
A tired Split Bus shifter turns every gear change into a guessing game: a long, floppy lever, a vague gate and a reverse that is far too easy to find by accident. The Vintage Speed Classic Quick Shifter replaces the factory lever with a beefed-up stainless steel shaft, a redesigned stop plate and a pull-up reverse lockout, and it cuts shift travel by about 35%. It keeps the tall, period-correct 23-inch reach a Split Bus needs, so the knob still lands where your hand expects it.
This is the same shifter King Performance sells, built by Vintage Speed of Taiwan and offered here at King's price, in all three of King's versions.
Which version?
- Stainless Shaft, Black Knob — Vintage Speed 155-795-50SPT. Stainless shaft with the black knob embossed with the VW four-speed pattern.
- Black Finish, Black Knob — Vintage Speed 155-795-50SPT-BK. King describes this version as having a black shaft finish, paired with the black pattern knob.
- Stainless Shaft, Ivory Knob — Vintage Speed 155-795-50SPT-IV. Ivory knob with the embossed four-speed pattern, a natural match for a restored early interior.
All three are priced with the standard ADC-12 powder-coated cast aluminum base. Vintage Speed also makes polished and black CNC-machined bases for this shifter. If you want a CNC base, contact us before you order and we will quote it.
Fitment
- 1960–1967 VW Type 2 Split-Window Bus (Microbus, Panel, Single Cab, Double Cab, Kombi, Westfalia)
- Left-hand drive and right-hand drive
- Manual 4-speed gearbox with the factory shift rod
- Not for pre-1960 or Barndoor Buses, which use a different ball. See the Vintage Speed Pre-1960 shifter. Not for 1968–1979 Bay Window Buses. See the Bay Window version.
Features
- About 35% shorter throw for quicker, more positive shifts
- Beefed-up stainless steel shaft
- New pull-up reverse lockout, so reverse is never engaged by accident
- Redesigned stop plate that makes positioning the base easier
- Gray "Porsche bushing" fitted at the bottom to cut vibration
- Stainless steel mounting hardware included
- 5-year Vintage Speed warranty covering the 304 stainless steel parts
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Vintage Speed (Taiwan) |
|---|---|
| Part numbers | 155-795-50SPT (stainless shaft, black knob), 155-795-50SPT-BK (black), 155-795-50SPT-IV (ivory knob) |
| Height | 23 in, base to top |
| Shaft | Stainless steel |
| Knob | Black or ivory, embossed VW four-speed shift pattern |
| Base | ADC-12 powder-coated cast aluminum, redesigned stop plate |
| Throw | About 35% shorter than stock |
| Reverse lockout | Pull-up style |
| Bushing | Gray Porsche bushing included |
| Hardware | Stainless steel mounting hardware included |
| Drive side | LHD and RHD |
| Warranty | 5 years, 304 stainless steel parts only |
| Use | Off-highway use only (per King Performance) |
Installation notes
The shifter bolts to the factory mounting point with the supplied stainless hardware. While the tunnel cover is off, check the rest of the linkage: shift-rod bushings, the rear shift-rod coupler and the transmission nose-cone bushing all affect how precise the shifter feels. A new shifter cannot make up for a worn coupler. After fitting, set the stop plate so every gate is clean, then confirm reverse is only reachable with the lockout pulled up. If you are unsure of the procedure, have a qualified VW mechanic install it.
FAQ
Does it fit right-hand-drive Buses? Yes. Vintage Speed lists it for both left- and right-hand-drive 1960–1967 Split Buses.
What is the difference between the three versions? Finish and knob colour. The shaft, base, lockout and fitment are the same.
How much shorter is the throw? Vintage Speed quotes roughly 35% less travel than stock.
Can I get a CNC billet base? Vintage Speed makes polished and black CNC bases. Contact us for current pricing.
Will it fit my 1958 Bus? No. Pre-1960 and Barndoor Buses need the pre-1960 Vintage Speed shifter, which has a 15.8 mm ball.
What is the lead time? King Performance quotes about four weeks when the shifter is not in stock.
WARNING: California Proposition 65 — This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is 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.