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

OVERVIEW

When you''re deep into a custom air-cooled build, whether it''s a rugged Baja Bug, a high-performance Sand Rail, or a classic Manx-style buggy, the integrity of your chassis is only as strong as its weakest weld. This A&A MANUFACTURING 2-inch radius fabrication tab is engineered to provide a rock-solid mounting point for your most critical components. Crafted from heavy-duty 3/16-inch thick cold-rolled steel, this tab is designed specifically to withstand the extreme vibrations and stresses of off-road environments. The 2-inch radius profile is precision-cut to seat perfectly against 2-inch outer diameter (OD) tubing, ensuring a seamless fit-up that makes your welding process smoother and your finished joint significantly stronger than using flat tabs on round surfaces.

Versatility is the name of the game with the FAB-3063. While many builders utilize these as robust shock mounts, their application extends far across the vehicle. The pre-drilled 1/2-inch hole is the industry standard for high-strength mounting hardware, making these ideal for attaching limit straps, seat belt harnesses, custom light bar brackets, or even steering stabilizers. By choosing A&A Manufacturing components from Appletree Automotive, you''re investing in professional-grade hardware that eliminates the guesswork of hand-cutting and drilling your own tabs. These arrive in raw steel, ready for your TIG or MIG welder, allowing you to build a chassis that looks as clean as it performs on the dunes or the dirt.

FITMENT

This is a universal weld-on fabrication component commonly used on the following air-cooled VW-based vehicles and custom chassis:

• VW Beetle (All Years): Perfect for custom Baja Bug shock towers and cage reinforcements.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Used in custom suspension geometry and chassis stiffening.
• VW Type 2 Bus (Split & Bay Window): Ideal for custom shock relocation and steering dampener mounts.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Excellent for heavy-duty off-road suspension upgrades.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: The standard for 2.0-inch OD tube frames and roll cages.
• Meyers Manx & Fiberglass Buggies: Essential for building custom subframes and mounting points.

SPECS

• Material: High-Quality 3/16-Inch Cold Rolled Steel
• Hole Diameter: 1/2 Inch (Standard for Grade 8 Hardware)
• Radius: 2.0 Inches (Designed for 2.0" OD Tubing)
• Thickness: 3/16 Inch (0.1875")
• Quantity: Sold Individually
• Finish: Raw Steel (Requires cleaning before welding)
• Manufacturer Part Number: FAB-3063

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Surface Preparation for Superior Penetration

Even though these tabs are high-quality steel, they may have a light coating of mill scale or oil to prevent rust during shipping. Before you strike an arc, always grind the radius edge of the tab and the mating surface of your tubing to bright, shiny metal. This ensures maximum weld penetration and prevents impurities from weakening the joint. If you''re TIG welding, we recommend a quick wipe-down with acetone after grinding to ensure a laboratory-clean surface for the best possible bead aesthetics and strength.

2. Always Build in Double Shear

For critical suspension components like shocks or limit straps, never rely on a single tab (single shear). To get the most out of the 3/16-inch thickness, you should always use these tabs in pairs. By placing a tab on either side of the mounting eye and running your 1/2-inch bolt through both, you create a "double shear" environment. This spreads the load across two points and prevents the bolt from bending or the tab from tearing under heavy compression or extension cycles on the trail.

3. Account for Material Shrinkage and Gap

When welding two tabs for a shock mount, it is a common mistake to weld them exactly at the width of the shock eye. The heat from the welding process will often cause the tabs to pull inward as they cool, making it nearly impossible to slide your shock into place later. Use a "spacer bolt" or a scrap piece of metal that is roughly 1/16-inch wider than your mounting eye to hold the tabs in place during the tacking and welding process. This small gap ensures that once the metal cools, your components will fit perfectly without needing to be hammered or pried into position.