Billet Side Drilled Bracket, For 1-3/4 Tube, Each

OVERVIEW

When you''re building a high-performance sand rail, Baja Bug, or custom off-road machine, the difference between a professional finish and a backyard project lies in the details. The EMPI Billet Side Drilled Bracket is engineered for enthusiasts who demand both structural integrity and a show-quality aesthetic. Crafted from high-grade billet aluminum and polished to a mirror finish, this bracket is designed specifically to wrap around 1-3/4 inch tubing, which is the industry standard for most heavy-duty roll cages and chassis components. Unlike generic stamped steel clamps that can rust, slip, or mar your paint, this precision-machined billet piece provides a rock-solid mounting point that complements the sleek lines of your air-cooled Volkswagen or off-road rig.

The "side-drilled" configuration of this bracket is what truly sets it apart for custom fabricators and weekend warriors alike. By placing the mounting holes on the side rather than the face, it allows for a low-profile installation of essential accessories such as LED light bars, side-view mirrors, fire extinguisher mounts, or even custom whip antennas. This design provides a cleaner line of sight and helps keep your accessories tucked away from overhead brush or tight obstacles on the trail. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration of a Meyers Manx or reinforcing the cage on a dedicated desert racer, these brackets offer the versatility and "over-built" quality that Appletree Auto customers have come to expect from the EMPI name.

FITMENT

This bracket is designed as a universal fitment for any vehicle utilizing 1-3/4 inch (1.75") diameter tubing. Common applications include:

• VW Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Fits most standard 1-3/4" main hoops and roll cage bars.
• Baja Bugs: Ideal for external roll cages, roof racks, and bumper bars.
• Meyers Manx / Manxter: Perfect for mounting mirrors or auxiliary lighting to the windshield frame or roll bar.
• Custom Tube Chassis: Fits any 1-3/4" DOM or Chromoly tubing used in off-road fabrication.
• UTV & Side-by-Sides: Compatible with many factory and aftermarket roll cages using 1.75" tubing.

SPECS

• Material: High-Quality Precision Machined Billet Aluminum.
• Finish: High-Luster Polished Surface for a show-ready look.
• Tubing Diameter: Designed specifically for 1-3/4 inch (1.75") O.D. tubing.
• Bracket Width: 2-3/4 inches for maximum clamping surface area.
• Bracket Thickness: Robust 1/2 inch thick construction to prevent flexing or cracking.
• Mounting Orientation: Side-drilled holes for lateral accessory attachment.
• Hardware: Designed for use with socket head cap screws (Allen bolts) for a flush, clean installation.
• Part Number: EMPI 17-2736-0.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Prevent Bolt Galling. When installing stainless steel hardware into billet aluminum brackets, always apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the threads. Without it, the friction of tightening the bolts can cause the metals to "cold weld" or gall, making it nearly impossible to remove the bracket later without damaging the threads. Since these brackets are often exposed to the elements and vibration, this simple step ensures your hardware remains serviceable for years to come.

Pro Tip 2: Achieving a Perfect Ground. If you are using these brackets to mount electrical accessories like LED lights or CB antennas, remember that the polished finish and the aluminum itself act as an insulator if there is a layer of wax or oxidation. For the best electrical ground, you should ensure the contact point between the bracket and the tube is clean, or better yet, run a dedicated ground wire directly to the chassis. Don''t rely on the clamping force alone to provide a consistent ground for high-draw electronics.

Pro Tip 3: Protect Your Powder Coat. If your roll cage is freshly powder-coated or painted, you can prevent scratching during installation by placing a single wrap of thin electrical tape or a sliver of clear heat-shrink tubing around the bar where the bracket will sit. The 1-3/4 inch tolerances are precise, so keep the protection thin. This creates a "gasket" effect that prevents the bracket from vibrating and marring your finish, while also providing extra grip to ensure the bracket never rotates, even in the roughest whoops.