EMPI 23.5" VW Bus Trigger Shifter — Black Powder Coat, Reverse Lock-Out | 1960–1979 (00-4509-0)

EMPI 23.5-inch trigger shifter for 1960–1979 VW Bus / Transporter, finished in durable black powder coat. The extra-long shifter shaft accommodates the Bus's distinctive seating position and shifter geometry, while the trigger-style reverse lockout prevents accidental engagement of reverse on downshifts. EMPI part #00-4509-0.

Why Bus shifters are different from Beetle shifters

Driving a VW Bus, you sit further forward than the shifter linkage location — the transmission is far behind you in the rear of the chassis. To reach a comfortable shifter position from the driver's seat, the shifter shaft has to be much longer than the Beetle equivalent. The 23.5" length of this trigger shifter brings the shift knob to a natural arm position whether you're driving a Split-Window, Bay Window, or late Bay.

The trigger-style reverse lockout — a small lever you squeeze before pulling reverse — prevents the common Bus problem of accidentally finding reverse while shifting down through the gears at speed. Anyone who's driven an old Bus with a worn factory shifter knows that "where's reverse" feeling; the trigger lockout solves it permanently.

Specifications

• Length: 23.5 inches (extra-long for Bus geometry)
• Style: Trigger shifter with reverse lockout
• Finish: Black powder coat
• Part number: 00-4509-0

Fitment

• VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1960–1979

Will NOT fit: Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Type 3 — those use shorter shifters with different geometry. Verify your Bus's specific shifter mounting before ordering — most installations are direct fit, but heavily modified chassis may need adjustment.

FAQ

How does the trigger reverse lockout work?
A small lever (the "trigger") on the shifter must be squeezed before reverse can be engaged. With the trigger released, the shifter physically cannot enter the reverse gate. It's a mechanical safeguard that prevents accidental reverse during downshifts.

Will this fix my sloppy Bus shifter?
A new shifter helps, but Bus shifter slop usually has multiple causes: worn shift coupler at the transmission, worn bushings in the shift linkage, and worn shifter mounting box. Replacing just the shifter handle addresses one part of the system. For a complete shifter rebuild, plan on addressing the coupler and bushings as well.

Is the black finish durable in a Bus cabin?
Yes. Powder coat holds up to UV exposure, hand wear, and the general abuse a shifter sees in daily Bus driving. Far more durable than paint.

Will it work with my Auto-Stick Bus?
This is for manual transmission Buses. Auto-Stick uses a different shifter design with vacuum-actuated clutch engagement.

Can I use this with my custom Bus rear-engine conversion?
The shifter is sized for stock Bus shifter geometry. Heavily modified chassis (mid-engine conversions, custom transmissions, etc.) may need a different shifter length or different linkage configuration. For non-stock applications, contact us before ordering.

Does it come with a shift knob?
Verify with the listing — most EMPI trigger shifters include a basic shift knob. For specific knob styles (wood, leather wrap, etc.), you may want to source those separately.