Tab, 1 3/4 Radius, 1/2 Hole, 3/16 Inch Thick

OVERVIEW

When you''re deep into a custom build, whether it''s a rugged Baja Bug or a high-performance sand rail, the structural integrity of your chassis depends on the quality of your fabrication components. The A&A Manufacturing FAB-3059 weld-on tab is the gold standard for off-road and air-cooled VW enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on safety or precision. This tab is specifically engineered with a 1-3/4 inch radius, allowing it to sit perfectly flush against 1.75-inch OD tubing, which is the industry standard for roll cages and chassis bracing. By providing a tight, contoured fit, this tab ensures maximum surface area contact for your weld bead, resulting in a joint that can withstand the extreme vibrations and torsional stresses encountered during aggressive off-road maneuvers.

Crafted from heavy-duty 3/16-inch thick mild steel, these tabs offer the ideal balance between weight savings and sheer mounting strength. The 1/2-inch pre-drilled hole is strategically sized to accommodate high-strength Grade 8 hardware, making it a versatile solution for mounting anything from seat belt harnesses and limit straps to shock reservoirs and custom body panels. Because these are manufactured by A&A Manufacturing, you can expect consistent thickness and clean edges that require minimal prep work before you strike an arc. For the serious fabricator, having a bin of these tabs on hand is essential for maintaining a professional workflow and ensuring that every mounting point on your air-cooled project is as over-engineered as the engine pushing it.

FITMENT

This is a universal fabrication component commonly used on the following air-cooled VW and off-road applications utilizing 1.75-inch OD tubing:

• VW Beetle (All Years): Perfect for roll cage gusseting and seat mount fabrication.
• VW Baja Bug: Ideal for mounting light bars, spare tire carriers, and bumper supports.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: The standard for chassis-mount accessories and shift linkage supports.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Used in reinforcing floor pans and custom roll structures.
• VW Bus (Type 2): Excellent for custom interior cabinetry mounts or roof rack fabrication.
• Karmann Ghia: Often used in race-prep applications for securing fuel cells or battery boxes.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the FAB-3059 fabrication tab:

• Manufacturer: A&A Manufacturing
• Part Number: FAB-3059
• Material: High-Quality Mild Steel (Weldable)
• Thickness: 3/16 Inch (0.1875")
• Hole Diameter: 1/2 Inch (0.500")
• Radius: 1-3/4 Inch (Fits 1.75" OD Tubing)
• Finish: Raw Steel (Requires coating/paint after welding)
• Quantity: Sold Individually
• Weight: Approximately 0.15 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Optimize Your Weld Penetration

Because these tabs are 3/16-inch thick, they can act as a heat sink compared to thinner-walled tubing. To ensure a professional-grade bond, always bevel the bottom radius edge of the tab with a flap disc or grinder before welding. This "V" groove allows the weld puddle to penetrate deeper into the base of the tab and the tubing simultaneously. Don''t forget to strip any mill scale or oil from the tab and the mounting surface using a dedicated solvent or wire wheel; a clean surface is the only way to prevent porosity and ensure your safety-critical mounts never fail under pressure.

2. Use a Jig for Double Shear Applications

If you are using two of these tabs to create a double-shear mounting point (such as for a shock mount or a control arm pivot), alignment is absolutely critical. Never weld the tabs one at a time by eye. Instead, bolt the two tabs together using a 1/2-inch bolt and a spacer that matches the width of the component you plan to install. By welding them as a single "unit," you ensure the holes remain perfectly concentric and the spacing stays true, preventing binding issues when it comes time for final assembly. This is a hallmark trick of master chassis builders that saves hours of frustration later.

3. Prevent Post-Weld Corrosion

These tabs are delivered in raw, bare steel to facilitate immediate welding, which means they are highly susceptible to flash rust. As soon as your welds have cooled and you''ve cleaned off any slag or spatter, apply a high-quality zinc-rich primer or a weld-through primer if you aren''t ready for final paint. For a professional look on a Baja Bug or buggy, many builders choose to powder coat the entire chassis after all fabrication is complete. If you are doing localized repairs, a quick hit of chassis black paint will keep these tabs looking great and prevent the structural degradation that comes with long-term oxidation.