Flag Bracket, Flat, 5/16 & 1/2 Holes, 6 Long

OVERVIEW

When you''re tearing through the dunes or navigating tight wooded trails, visibility isn''t just a luxuryit''s a safety requirement. The A&A Manufacturing Flat Flag Bracket is a heavy-duty fabrication essential designed to give your air-cooled VW sand rail, Baja Bug, or tube-chassis buggy a secure mounting point for safety flags. Crafted from high-quality, weldable mild steel, this 6-inch flat bracket is built to withstand the intense vibrations and high-speed whipping actions that come with off-road excursions. Whether you are building a fresh rail from the ground up or upgrading your existing cage, this bracket provides the structural integrity needed to ensure your flag stays upright and visible to other drivers over the next crest.

Versatility is at the heart of this bracket''s design, featuring a dual-hole configuration that accommodates a wide range of mounting scenarios. The 1/2-inch primary hole is perfectly sized for standard whip antennas, 1-piece or 2-piece flags (such as our A5001 and A5002 models), and is a seamless fit for the A1009 flag quick-release mount. The secondary 5/16-inch hole provides an excellent pilot for bolt-on applications or can be used as an additional tie-down point. Because it comes in a raw steel finish, it offers the perfect canvas for custom fabrication, allowing you to weld it directly to your roll cage or bumper before finishing your chassis with paint or powder coat. Don''t settle for flimsy, universal mounts that bend under pressure; choose the hardware used by professional VW fabricators across the globe.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Sand Rails: All custom tube chassis and rail configurations.
• Baja Bugs: Ideal for mounting to rear cages, roof racks, or custom bumpers.
• Meyers Manx & Buggies: Perfect for fiberglass body supports and roll bars.
• UTV & Side-by-Sides: Universal application for Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick, and more.
• Custom Off-Road Vehicles: Fits any 4x4 or crawler requiring a 1/2-inch flag mount.
• Tube Diameters: Can be welded to any flat surface or notched for round tubing.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: A&A Manufacturing
• Part Number: FM-8 (AA164A)
• Total Length: 6 Inches
• Material: Heavy-Duty Mild Steel
• Large Hole Diameter: 1/2 Inch (Optimized for flag whips and quick releases)
• Small Hole Diameter: 5/16 Inch (Ideal for mounting bolts or safety wire)
• Thickness: Precision gauge steel for maximum rigidity
• Finish: Raw Steel (Requires painting or coating to prevent oxidation)

PRO TIPS

1. Prep for a Permanent Weld

While the 5/16-inch hole allows for bolt-on applications, most professional air-cooled builders prefer to weld this bracket directly to the upper bar of the roll cage for maximum stability. Before welding, ensure you grind away any mill scale, paint, or rust from both the bracket and the chassis tube to achieve a clean, structural bead. Since this is mild steel, it TIG or MIG welds beautifully. Positioning the bracket slightly angled toward the rear of the vehicle can also help reduce the wind resistance profile of the flag whip at high speeds.

2. Utilize a Quick-Release System

If you frequently transport your VW in an enclosed trailer or a garage with low clearance, we highly recommend pairing this bracket with the A1009 Flag Quick-Release Mount. Threading a flag in and out of a fixed hole every time you load up can strip threads over time or lead to accidental bending of the whip. By installing a quick-release base into the 1/2-inch hole of this A&A bracket, you can snap your flag on or off in seconds without tools, saving your hardware and your sanity at the trailhead.

3. Rust Prevention and Finishing

Because these brackets arrive in raw steel, they will begin to develop surface oxidation quickly if left unprotected. After you have completed your welding or drilling, thoroughly degrease the bracket with a solvent like brake cleaner or acetone. Apply a high-quality zinc-rich primer followed by a durable topcoat or powder coating. If you are bolting the bracket on, don''t forget to apply a small amount of anti-seize to the mounting hardware to prevent the 5/16-inch bolt from seizing due to the moisture and mud often encountered during off-road adventures.