My first Porsche! Missing underside tray?

[NickW21]

Air cooled newbie here. I just purchased a 79 SC Targa. She’s not going to win any prizes for her looks, but she’s the best I can afford right now. I bought it through an auction online and while there were hundreds of pics to view, you can’t see every bit of the car. Since I’m a newb, I’m embarrassed to ask this, but shouldn’t there be trays covering the underside of the car? There’s one in the front, but nothing in the back where the engine is. If there isn’t one for this model year, then it’s fine, but if there is, does anyone know how much procuring one might cost? Probably don’t need a new one. I don’t plan on restoring this to a pristine level. It would cost too much. Had her a day, I wonder what else I’m going to find? 🤦🏻😬

[ryans65]

Welcome,

Don't worry about looks just get it mechanically sound and drive the thing. Chasing every little aesthetic detail ruins the ownership experience, at least for me.

Here's a link to the downloadable porsche parts catalogue:

https://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/classic/genuineparts/originalpartscatalogue/

[shadowjack1]

No tray on the 79

[GH85Carrera]

No there is no tray under the engine. The engine is air cooled (oil mostly) and the exhaust and heat exchangers neet to radiate the excess heat down and away.

The only cover or tray is for the front steering mechanisms and the fuel pump and fuel lines.

[Gianni at Pelican Parts]

Hi Nick! and welcome to the Pelican forums,

I hope you find all the resources you need to fix up and DIY projects on your 911 here.

I've linked you to the "How To" Tech Articles we have for your car. Additionally our founder Wayne's book, "101 Projects for your 911" would be a great resource to have on hand for learning more about your car and give you ideas for restoring your car on your own timeline.

Additionally, here is a link to the Rennline Design Metal Skid Plate for an 79 911, it would most definitely be the last skid plate you ever need to buy for your car.

[theiceman]

i dont think we saw any trays until water cooled.. i think we didnt even see fender liners until the 964 if i remember correctly.

[LIRS6]

Is everyone here asleep at the wheel? First order of business is to ask the new member (welcome, by the way) to post pics of the car....

[jouko]

Hey Nick - looks like your username, make and model line up with the '79 Targa sold on BaT a week ago. Congratulations, and welcome to the madness.

I too bought a "budget" Targa on BaT back in 2019 and to answer your question, I continue to find things to this day. It's all a part of the fun. I've had a number of much nicer 911s in the decades past, but none as experienced as my 225k mile, aptly named "Rusty".

[stevej37]

You're not planning on driving it in the rain..are you??

[Bill Douglas]

Welcome Nick. Enjoy the car! And it's a great year you chose too.

Bill '79SC

[sugarwood]

For reference, here are lots of pictures of 1979 SC's
https://bringatrailer.com/porsche/911sc/

[Mark Salvetti]

Congratulations Nick! Welcome, 1979 Targa's are great cars.

This is a very helpful group, just post photos and questions and we can help you through any issues.

I went through the photos in your BAT listing. One thing I didn't see the seller mention is a lot of wetness on the left front suspension A-arm. I think you have a brake fluid leak you need to address, maybe even on the right front as well but that's not as obvious.

It wouldn't be unusual for the rubber brake lines to require replacement, but they don't usually leak like that. I think you need to look at that right away, it's a safety issue.

Mark

[NickW21]

Wow, thank you everyone for the kind and thoughtful responses! Seems like I've found me a good community to help me start my journey of 911 ownership! Jouko, you are correct, I bought me a 79 Targa on BaT just a week ago. I'm sifting through the mountain of service records to see what types of major services were performed in the last 30 years Records don't go back to 79, which is fine really, since it's unlikely anything done back then would matter that much now! Lots of great resources for me to read through. I can't wait. It's hard to concentrate on work, when I know there's much more fun work sitting in my garage! Here's a link to the listing: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-porsche-911sc-targa-26/

I appreciate the honesty shown here already, but lie to me if I've overpaid! lol