Way back when we were developing the dash we decided that the side tabs were not needed. The early dashes were not designed to fit a dash pad either but a couple of years ago we reworked it so that it would fit the stock pad. This is not a copy of the stock dash and never was. I never said it was, It's a replacement. I have had 3 people over the years say anything about the missing tab but if people want the tab it won't be a big deal to add it and the cost would be nothing or near nothing. The problem I see with the tabs is the inconsistence of the EB, meaning it will be less likely to just fit without making other mods. like bending the tabs and or relocating the screw holes. We made the dash thick enough to not flex without the screw.