1/8in Flat Tabs 4pk 3/8in Hole

OVERVIEW

When you are deep into a custom air-cooled build, whether it is a rugged Baja Bug, a high-flying sand rail, or a precision-restored Karmann Ghia, the small details often dictate the overall quality of the project. These Allstar Performance 1/8-inch mild steel flat tabs are the unsung heroes of the fabrication shop, providing a professional and secure mounting solution for a massive variety of components. Designed with a perfectly straight edge, these tabs are engineered to be welded flush against round tubing, square tubing, or flat plate surfaces. This versatility makes them an essential staple for any builder who refuses to settle for "good enough" when it comes to structural integrity and component mounting. In the world of off-road racing and custom VW restoration, having a reliable anchor point for brake line clips, body panels, or electrical junction blocks is the difference between a clean finish and a mechanical failure in the middle of the dunes.

Fabricated from high-quality mild steel, these tabs offer exceptional weldability for both MIG and TIG processes, ensuring that your mounting points are as strong as the chassis itself. The 3/8-inch hole is precision-punched to accommodate standard hardware, allowing for easy installation of accessories without the need for additional drilling or modification. Because they come in a convenient 4-pack, you have exactly what you need to complete a symmetrical project or keep spares on hand for those unexpected "on-the-fly" modifications. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that your VW is more than just a carit is a labor of love and engineering. That is why we stock professional-grade fabrication components like these Allstar tabs, ensuring that every weld you lay down contributes to a build that is as durable as it is iconic. Don''t compromise your safety or your aesthetic with makeshift brackets; use the right tool for the job and secure your gear with confidence.

FITMENT

These fabrication tabs are universal by nature and are essential for custom work on the following air-cooled models and chassis types:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): Ideal for custom bumper mounts, fender braces, and interior accessory mounting.
• VW Super Beetle: Perfect for reinforcing strut tower braces or mounting custom reservoirs.
• VW Bus (Type 2 / Transporter / Kombi): Used for custom roof racks, interior cabinetry anchors, and engine bay organization.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Great for hidden bracketry and electrical component mounting under the dash or in the trunk.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Useful for custom fuel pump mounts and oil cooler brackets.
• VW Thing (Type 181): A must-have for mounting off-road lighting and reinforcing military-style accessories.
• Meyers Manx & Dune Buggies: The go-to tab for fiberglass body mounting points and cage accessories.
• Sand Rails & Tube Chassis: Essential for tabs on 1.5-inch and 1.75-inch OD tubing for everything from limit straps to fire extinguishers.
• Baja Bugs: Perfect for mounting skid plates, light bars, and external oil coolers.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the Allstar Performance ALL60013 flat tabs include:

• Material: High-quality Mild Steel for superior weld penetration.
• Thickness: 1/8 inch (0.125") provides the perfect balance of strength and weight.
• Hole Diameter: 3/8 inch fits standard 3/8" bolts and hardware.
• Edge Profile: Straight edge for easy alignment against flat or curved surfaces.
• Quantity: 4 pieces per package.
• Finish: Natural raw steel (requires painting or plating after welding to prevent rust).
• Application: Weld-on only.
• Manufacturer Part Number: ALL60013.

PRO TIPS

1. Prepare for the Perfect Weld

Before you strike an arc, it is absolutely critical to prepare the surface of both the tab and the tubing. These tabs come in a natural steel finish which may have a light film of oil or mill scale from the manufacturing process. Use a flap disc or a wire wheel to grind the welding edge of the tab and the contact area on your chassis down to bright, shiny metal. Removing these impurities ensures maximum penetration and prevents porosity in your weld, which is vital for components that will experience high vibration in an air-cooled engine bay or off-road environment. Don''t forget to clean the area with a residue-free solvent like brake cleaner after grinding for the best results.

2. Use a "Dummy" Bolt for Alignment

If you are using two of these tabs to create a double-shear mount (where a component sits between two tabs), always use a "dummy" bolt and a spacer during the tack-welding process. By bolting the two tabs together with a spacer that is the exact width of the item you plan to mount, you ensure that the tabs remain perfectly parallel while you apply heat. Without this, the cooling metal can "pull" the tabs inward or outward, making it nearly impossible to slide your bolt through once the job is finished. Using a sacrificial grade-5 bolt for this prevents damage to your expensive stainless or grade-8 hardware from weld spatter.

3. Manage Heat to Prevent Warpage

While 1/8-inch steel is robust, excessive heat in a concentrated area can still cause slight warping or "draw" on thinner wall tubing. When welding these tabs onto your VW frame or roll cage, use a series of small tacks to position the tab first. Once you are happy with the placement, weld in short segments, alternating sides to distribute the heat load evenly. This is especially important when mounting tabs to thin-walled sheet metal or smaller diameter oil lines. After the weld has cooled naturallynever quench it with water, as this can make the steel brittlebe sure to apply a high-quality primer and paint to prevent the raw mild steel from oxidizing in the elements.