Self Eject Button, Small, .600

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled beast through the grueling terrain of the Baja peninsula or launching off a dune at Glamis, the last thing you want to worry about is a loose body panel or a stubborn fastener that won''t release during a pit stop. The EMPI Self Eject Button (FAB-3311) is the industry standard for off-road fabrication, offering a small-footprint solution for securing aluminum skins, fiberglass hoods, and interior access panels. These .600 grip length buttons are engineered with a built-in spring mechanism that "ejects" the fastener from the tab when turned, ensuring that the button stays attached to the panel rather than falling into the dirt or getting lost in the chassis. This self-ejecting feature is a game-changer for solo mechanics and racers who need to strip a car down quickly without hunting for dropped hardware in the sand.

Crafted for high-stress environments, these flat-head fasteners provide a sleek, aerodynamic profile that won''t snag on brush or debris. The .600 grip length is specifically designed for medium-thickness assemblies, typically accommodating the combined thickness of your body panel and the mounting tab with just enough tension to prevent rattling. Whether you are building a custom tube-chassis sand rail, a rugged Baja Bug, or a precision-built dragster, these EMPI fasteners provide the professional-grade reliability that Appletree Auto customers demand. They are designed to work seamlessly with FAB-3300 series weld-on tabs, creating a complete quick-release system that is as durable as the rest of your drivetrain. Don''t settle for hardware store bolts when you can have the same technology used by professional off-road racing teams across the globe.

FITMENT

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

• Volkswagen Baja Bugs: Ideal for securing removable front clips, rear engine cages, and roof panels.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Perfect for side panels, floorboards, and dash assemblies.
• Manx & Fiberglass Buggies: Used to secure hoods and inspection covers to the main body.
• VW Drag Racers: Essential for quick-access engine tins and removable door skins.
• Custom Tube Chassis: Compatible with any vehicle utilizing FAB-3300 style 1/4-turn mounting tabs.
• Off-Road Racing Trucks: Used for mounting skid plates and fender liners.

SPECS

The following technical specifications ensure you have the right fit for your specific fabrication project:

• Part Number: FAB-3311 (EMPI C73-612-10)
• Fastener Type: Self-Ejecting Dzus Style Button
• Head Style: Flat Head (Slotted)
• Grip Length: .600 Inches (measured from the underside of the head to the locking portion)
• Shank Diameter: .350 Inches
• Head Diameter: .625 Inches
• Material: High-Strength Steel with Zinc Plating for corrosion resistance
• Compatibility: Designed for use with FAB-3300 series mounting tabs
• Spring Action: Integrated spring retains the button in the panel when disengaged

PRO TIPS

1. Calculate Your Total Grip Thickness

To ensure a secure fit without vibration, you must calculate your "stack" thickness correctly. This includes the thickness of the body panel, any washers used, and the thickness of the weld-on tab itself. The .600 grip length is versatile, but if your stack is too thin, the panel will rattle; if it is too thick, you won''t be able to engage the spring. If you find the fit is slightly loose, you can use a Dzus-style shim or slightly "tweak" the wire spring on the mounting tab to increase tension. Always test-fit one button before drilling your entire panel layout.

2. Perfect Alignment is Key for Longevity

When welding your FAB-3300 tabs to your chassis, use a "transfer punch" or a sacrificial button to ensure the hole in the panel is perfectly centered over the tab spring. If the button is even slightly off-center, it will put lateral stress on the shank, leading to premature wear of the locking lugs or galling of the panel. We recommend Cleco fasteners to hold your panels in place during the layout process before you commit to the final holes. A drop of dry-film lubricant on the fastener lugs will also help prevent "binding" in dusty off-road conditions.

3. Don''t Over-Tighten the Spring

The beauty of the self-ejecting system is that it only requires a quarter-turn to lock. If you find you have to use excessive force with your screwdriver to get the button to engage, your tab spring is likely set too high. Use a Dzus adjusting tool or a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pull the wire spring on the mounting tab toward the button for a tighter fit, or push it away for a looser fit. You want a firm "click" that holds the panel tight against the frame to prevent the metal-on-metal vibration that can eventually crack aluminum body panels.