Tab, 5/8 Hole, 3/16 Thick

OVERVIEW

When you''re deep into a custom chassis build or reinforcing a rugged off-road machine, the integrity of your mounting points is absolutely non-negotiable. The A&A Manufacturing FAB-3065 weld-on tab is engineered to be the backbone of your fabrication projects, providing a professional-grade solution for securing critical components. Whether you are building a trophy-winning Baja Bug, a high-speed sand rail, or a daily-driven air-cooled classic that needs some extra structural rigidity, these 3/16-inch thick mild steel tabs offer the perfect balance of weight savings and industrial-strength durability. A&A Manufacturing is a legend in the fabrication world, and this tab lives up to that reputation by featuring a precision-cleared 5/8-inch hole that is ideal for heavy-duty hardware and suspension pivots.

Stop wasting your valuable shop time trying to hand-cut inconsistent tabs from scrap plate with a torch or a grinder. These tabs are CNC-cut to ensure uniform dimensions across your entire build, making alignment and jigging significantly easier. The 3/16-inch thickness is specifically chosen by master fabricators because it provides ample surface area for a deep, penetrating weld while remaining thick enough to resist ovaling or "wallowing out" under the high-stress vibrations common in air-cooled VW environments. From mounting limit straps and seat belt harnesses to securing custom shock mounts or exhaust hangers, these versatile tabs are the "bread and butter" of any serious air-cooled VW garage. At Appletree Automotive, we only stock the components we would trust on our own desert racers, and this A&A tab is a staple in our fabrication inventory.

FITMENT

While these are universal fabrication components, they are most commonly utilized in the following air-cooled VW and off-road applications:

• VW Beetle (All Years): Ideal for Baja Bug conversions, roll cage tie-ins, and custom fender mounts.
• VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2): Used for strengthening steering stabilizers and custom interior cabinetry mounts.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Perfect for hidden chassis reinforcements and fuel tank mounting.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Excellent for brush guard mounting and heavy-duty suspension limiters.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: The industry standard for Chenowth, Berrien, and Meyers Manx style frames.
• Custom Tubular Chassis: Fits 1.25-inch, 1.5-inch, and 1.75-inch OD tubing with minimal grinding for a perfect fit.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the FAB-3065 weld-on tab:

• Brand: A&A Manufacturing
• Part Number: FAB-3065
• Material: High-quality Cold Rolled Mild Steel
• Thickness: 3/16 Inch (0.1875")
• Hole Diameter: 5/8 Inch (0.625")
• Finish: Raw Steel (Requires painting or plating after welding to prevent oxidation)
• Edge Profile: Radius-cut for a clean, professional appearance and better stress distribution
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each)

PRO TIPS

1. Surface Preparation is Key for Structural Integrity

Since these tabs are made from raw mild steel, they may arrive with a light coating of mill scale or shipping oil to prevent flash rusting. Before you even think about striking an arc, use a flap disc or a wire wheel to clean the tab down to bright, shiny metal. You should also clean the area on your chassis where the tab will be welded. Removing these contaminants ensures maximum weld penetration and prevents porosity, which is vital for a part that may be holding up your suspension or safety harness. If you don''t clean them, the weld won''t "wet out" properly, and you''ll end up with a brittle joint.

2. Use an Alignment Bolt When Welding Pairs

If you are using these tabs in pairssuch as for a shock mount or a suspension pivotalways use a 5/8-inch bolt and a spacer to hold them in perfect alignment while you tack weld them. The heat from the welding process can cause the metal to pull or warp, which can make it nearly impossible to slide your bolt through later if the tabs are slightly crooked. By "bolting them in" during the fabrication phase, you ensure that the holes stay perfectly concentric. Remember to remove any nylon-locking nuts or rubber seals before welding, as the heat will melt them instantly.

3. Manage Heat Soak on Thin-Wall Tubing

When welding a 3/16-inch thick tab to thinner wall tubing (like .095 or .120 wall DOM), you need to focus your arc more on the thicker tab. Start your puddle on the tab, then "wash" it down onto the tubing. This technique prevents you from blowing a hole through your chassis tubing while still ensuring you get a deep, strong weld on the tab itself. For high-stress areas like limit strap mounts, consider "boxing" the tab or adding a small gusset to distribute the load over a larger surface area of the tube, preventing the tubing from tearing under extreme off-road conditions.