Tab, 3/8 Hole, .085 Thick, 1-1/2 Inch Long

OVERVIEW

When it comes to building a rugged off-road machine or restoring a classic air-cooled masterpiece, the difference between a professional-grade build and a backyard project often lies in the small details. This A&A Manufacturing weld-on tab is a staple for any serious fabricator''s toolbox. Engineered with precision from high-quality steel, this 1-1/2 inch long tab provides a clean, secure mounting point for a variety of accessories. Whether you are plumbing brake lines, securing wiring looms, or mounting lightweight body panels on a Baja Bug or sand rail, the .085-inch thickness offers the perfect balance between weight savings and structural integrity. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that your fabrication projects demand components that can withstand the vibrations and stresses of both the street and the dunes, and these tabs are built to meet that challenge head-on.

The 3/8-inch hole is perfectly sized for standard hardware, allowing for easy installation of bolts or pins without the need for additional drilling or modification. Because these tabs are manufactured by A&A Manufacturing, a leader in the racing and off-road industry, you can trust in the consistency of the metallurgy and the accuracy of the dimensions. These are not just simple pieces of scrap metal; they are purpose-built components designed to be welded onto your chassis, roll cage, or suspension components. Their low-profile design ensures they don''t interfere with other moving parts, while the 1-1/2 inch length provides ample surface area for a strong, deep-penetrating weld. If you are looking to elevate the professional look and durability of your VW-based project, these tabs are an essential addition to your fabrication inventory.

FITMENT

As a universal fabrication component, this tab is designed for custom applications across a wide range of vehicles. It is most commonly used in the construction and modification of the following:

• Volkswagen Beetle: Ideal for Baja Bug conversions, fender supports, and oil cooler mounts.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: Used for custom interior bracketry, engine bay organization, and throttle cable routing.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Perfect for hidden accessory mounting and custom fuel line stays.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: Excellent for reinforcing exterior gear mounts and utility brackets.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Essential for mounting electronics, light bars, and safety equipment to tube frames.
• Meyers Manx & Fiberglass Buggies: Used to create secure mounting points on the steel chassis for body mounting bolts.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the FAB-3058 fabrication tab:

• Manufacturer: A&A Manufacturing
• Part Number: FAB-3058
• Material: Mild Steel (uncoated for immediate welding)
• Hole Diameter: 3/8 Inch
• Thickness: .085 Inch (Approximately 13-14 Gauge)
• Overall Length: 1-1/2 Inches
• Width: Optimized for standard tube diameters and flat surfaces
• Quantity: Sold Individually

PRO TIPS

1. Surface Preparation is Key

Before you strike an arc, ensure that the mounting surface on your chassis or roll cage is stripped down to bare, shiny metal. Even though these A&A tabs come ready to weld, any paint, rust, or oil on your frame will contaminate the weld pool and lead to porosity or failure. Use a flap disc or a wire wheel to clean the area, and don''t forget to wipe it down with an oil-free degreaser or acetone for the best possible penetration.

2. Use a "Slave Bolt" for Alignment

When welding multiple tabs that need to line upsuch as for a hinge point or a mounting bracketalways use a "slave bolt" to keep them perfectly indexed. Slide a 3/8-inch bolt through the tabs and tighten them down against a spacer or the component you are mounting. This prevents the heat from the welding process from warping the tabs out of alignment, ensuring that your final hardware slides in easily once the metal has cooled.

3. Control the Heat Soak

Since these tabs are .085 inches thick, they can heat up very quickly. When welding them to a thicker wall tube or chassis plate, focus your arc primarily on the thicker material and "wash" the weld puddle onto the tab. This technique ensures you get a deep weld on the structural frame without blowing through the edge of the tab. If you are doing several tabs in a row, move around the vehicle to allow each one to cool naturally, preventing localized heat distortion in your frame.