Self Eject Fastener Tab

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled VW to the limit on the drag strip or navigating the punishing terrain of the Baja peninsula, the last thing you want to worry about is body panels vibrating loose or, worse, losing your hardware during a quick trackside repair. The Pro-werks Self Eject Fastener Tab (ALL19340) is the professional fabricator''s choice for securing fiberglass or aluminum bodywork with absolute confidence. These tabs are specifically engineered to work in harmony with self-ejecting style 1/4-turn fasteners, ensuring that when you unlock the panel, the fastener stays attached to the bodywork rather than falling into the dirt or the cooling tins of your upright engine. This 10-pack provides a complete solution for hanging doors, hoods, decklids, or custom dash panels in your high-performance Volkswagen project.

Crafted with the precision that Appletree Auto customers expect, these tabs feature a integrated spring-mounting design that simplifies the fabrication process. Instead of fumbling with separate springs and tabs, this combination provides a stable, repeatable mounting point that can be TIG or MIG welded directly to your chassis or roll cage. For the air-cooled enthusiast building a tube-chassis sand rail or a lightweight street sleeper, these tabs offer the perfect balance of weight savings and structural integrity. The 1/16-inch thickness provides enough meat for a strong weld while remaining low-profile enough to prevent interference with tight-fitting body lines. When you use Pro-werks hardware, you are investing in the longevity and serviceability of your vehicle, making routine maintenance and engine access a breeze.

FITMENT

These Pro-werks fastener tabs are universal fabrication components designed for custom applications. They are highly recommended for the following Volkswagen-based vehicles and custom builds:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): Ideal for Baja Bug conversions, custom fiberglass front clips, and removable rear aprons.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Used for securing lightweight racing hoods and decklids.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: The industry standard for mounting aluminum side panels, roofs, and skid plate access covers.
• Manx-Style Buggies: Perfect for mounting dashboards and removable floor pan access points.
• VW Drag Cars: Essential for quick-release front ends and engine shrouding on pro-mod and bracket racers.
• Custom Off-Road Chassis: Fits any 1-1/2 inch or 1-3/4 inch tubing structure commonly found in VW-based woods buggies.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the Pro-werks ALL19340 Fastener Tab set:

• Manufacturer: Pro-werks (Allstar Performance).
• Part Number: ALL19340.
• Package Quantity: 10 Individual Tabs.
• Material: High-quality weldable mild steel.
• Thickness: 1/16 inch (0.0625").
• Total Length: 2 inches.
• Total Width: 1-1/2 inches.
• Fastener Compatibility: Designed specifically for self-ejecting style 1/4-turn (Dzus-style) fasteners.
• Mounting Design: Integrated spring-style receiver for consistent tension.
• Finish: Natural steel (requires painting or plating after welding to prevent corrosion).

PRO TIPS

1. Precision Alignment is Key

Before you lay down your final beads, always use a "dummy" panel or a set of Cleco fasteners to ensure your tabs are perfectly centered. In the air-cooled world, body flex is common, especially in off-road Baja Bugs. If the tab is even slightly off-center, the self-ejecting fastener will bind, making it difficult to engage or potentially stripping the spring. We recommend tack-welding the tabs first, then checking the fitment of the panel across all mounting points before completing the weld. This ensures a "click-and-go" operation every time you need to pull your engine cover.

2. Prep for the Perfect Weld

Since these tabs are made of mild steel and often come with a light oil coating to prevent rust during shipping, you MUST clean them thoroughly before welding. Use a dedicated metal cleaner or acetone to remove all oils, and lightly scuff the weld zone on both the tab and your chassis with a flap disc or wire wheel. Because these are 1/16-inch thick, they are susceptible to warping if hit with too much heat at once. If you are TIG welding, use small, controlled pulses to keep the heat-affected zone minimal, which preserves the temper of the integrated spring area.

3. Tuning Your Spring Tension

Don''t assume the spring tension is "set it and forget it" right out of the box. Depending on the thickness of the panel you are mounting (fiberglass vs. thin aluminum), you may need to slightly adjust the spring height on the tab to get that perfect, snappy engagement. If the fastener feels too loose or rattles, you can gently pry the spring upward. If it is too difficult to turn, a slight downward adjustment will alleviate the pressure. Getting this tension dialed in prevents the "panel flutter" common in high-speed sand highway runs and keeps your VW looking and feeling solid.