Clamp for 1-1/2 Tube 1/8

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance off-road machine, whether it is a desert-shredding Baja Bug or a lightweight sand rail, the integrity of your fabrication work is everything. The A&A Manufacturing FAB-7000 clamp for 1-1/2 inch tubing is the industry standard for builders who refuse to compromise on strength or precision. Engineered from heavy-duty 1/8-inch thick steel, this weld-on clamp is designed to wrap securely around your chassis or roll cage tubing, providing a rock-solid mounting point for accessories, removable body panels, or structural supports. In the world of air-cooled VW racing and off-roading, vibration and chassis flex are constant enemies; using a precision-stamped component like this ensures that your bolt-on attachments stay exactly where you put them, even through the harshest washboards and biggest jumps.

Precision is the hallmark of A&A Manufacturing, and this clamp is no exception. Designed specifically for 1.5-inch outside diameter (OD) tubing, which is the most common size for main hoops and structural bracing in VW-based off-road builds, the FAB-7000 offers a perfect fit that eliminates the gaps and sloppy tolerances found in inferior, generic tabs. Because it is constructed from raw, high-quality steel, it provides excellent weldability, allowing for deep penetration and a clean finish with TIG or MIG welding processes. Whether you are mounting a custom aluminum roof to your Manx-style buggy, securing a spare tire carrier, or fabricating a removable engine cage section for easy maintenance access, this clamp provides the professional-grade foundation that separates a backyard project from a competition-ready vehicle.

FITMENT

This is a universal fabrication component designed for vehicles utilizing 1-1/2 inch OD (Outside Diameter) tubing. It is commonly used on the following air-cooled VW applications:

• VW Baja Bug: Perfect for roll cage accessory mounts and light bar tabs.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Ideal for 1.5-inch frame rails and chassis bracing.
• Meyers Manx & Fiberglass Buggies: Used for mounting body tabs to the subframe or cage.
• VW Bus/Transporter: Custom roof racks and interior camping gear mounting points.
• Off-Road Race Cars: Class 5-1600, Class 11, and Class 1/2-1600 chassis fabrication.
• Custom Tube Chassis: Any application utilizing standard 1.5-inch DOM or Chromoly tubing.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: A&A Manufacturing
• Part Number: FAB-7000
• Inside Diameter: 1-1/2 Inches (1.500")
• Material Thickness: 1/8 Inch (.125")
• Material Type: High-Quality Mild Steel
• Finish: Raw Steel (Requires coating after welding to prevent corrosion)
• Mounting Style: Weld-on
• Quantity: Sold Individually

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize Proper Surface Preparation

Before you even think about striking an arc, you must ensure that both the FAB-7000 clamp and the tubing are stripped of all mill scale, rust, or oils. Since these are raw steel, they may have a light oily coating to prevent rust during shipping. Use a flap disc or a wire wheel to bring the contact area on the 1.5-inch tube to a bright, shiny finish. This ensures maximum weld penetration and prevents porosity. Because this is 1/8-inch steel, it can handle significant heat, so make sure your welder is set high enough to get a deep "puddle" into the thicker tube wall for a mount that will never break loose under stress.

2. Use a Dummy Bolt for Alignment

When welding these clamps in pairs or using them to mount a specific bracket, always use a "dummy bolt" to keep the holes aligned during the tacking process. Heat from welding can cause thin metal to pull or warp slightly. By bolting your accessory or a spacer between two clamps before you finish the final weld, you guarantee that the bolt holes will remain perfectly concentric. This prevents the "fighting the bolt" scenario later on when you are trying to assemble your finished, painted project. If you are welding near a finished surface, don''t forget to use a heat-sink or weld-spat protectant to keep the surrounding tubing clean.

3. Post-Weld Corrosion Protection

Raw steel is highly susceptible to oxidation, especially in the humid environments or salty coastal dunes where many VW buggies live. Once your welding is complete and the metal has cooled naturally (never quench a weld with water as it can embrittle the steel), immediately clean the area with a degreaser. We recommend a high-quality zinc-rich primer or a specialized chassis paint to seal the clamp. If you are planning to powder coat your chassis, ensure the threads (if you choose to tap the hole) or the mating surfaces are masked off to maintain the precision fitment that A&A Manufacturing components are known for.