77 targa restoration to paint or not to paint..

[LazorJ]

Finally making some progress on my targa resto. I've removed everything up front to get to the fuel lines as it sat in the desert for 20 years. It is 100% original, every nut and bolt. I've cleaned it a bit, but now that everything is out, do I paint the under side and fender wells black, or do I leave it original? I'm repainting all the suspension bits while they are out...but frustratingly can not decide on sparying the underside.. thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[canamfan]

Just my thoughts, but... when I see the underside painted "black" it not only reminds of the old days when issues were hidden beneath, even tiny leaks are less prevalent on dark surfaces, but I would just walk away from those & not bother taking a chance on the unknown/hidden, let alone on a unique, upscale classic. Much more elegant & appropriate when you can see a clean factory finish. Just painting it black seems like a short cut to me, a shame on these, just my 2 cents

[canamfan]

If you're going to paint it, at least do original colour, prep, mask &/or remove & do it right

[dg567]

I'd leave it as is and clean it up best you can. Don't use anything too aggressive as it will start to strip the PAINT.

[rowingone]

If you do repaint replicate the original finish!

[PeteKz]

Awww, you will ruin the patina"! Leave it as-is and drive the shixt out of it.

[LazorJ]

Originally Posted by canamfan

Just my thoughts, but... when I see the underside painted "black" it not only reminds of the old days when issues were hidden beneath, even tiny leaks are less prevalent on dark surfaces, but I would just walk away from those & not bother taking a chance on the unknown/hidden, let alone on a unique, upscale classic. Much more elegant & appropriate when you can see a clean factory finish. Just painting it black seems like a short cut to me, a shame on these, just my 2 cents

Exactly how I feel about it. Thanks everyone for the confirmation. If I do anything it will be factory color. As far as exterior paint, it will stay patina for a while, till I decide what I'm doing with the body. Thank you all!

[Dpmulvan]

Porsche didn’t paint over the chip guard, just overspray. Paint won’t stick to that anyway you’d have to strip it all off.

[rowingone]

Porsche did paint over chip guard . . and yes it does adhere . .you just need to clean if very well before paint.

[Dpmulvan]

Originally Posted by rowingone

Porsche did paint over chip guard . . and yes it does adhere . .you just need to clean if very well before paint.

Wrong.

[rowingone]

Ok I stand corrected . . they only painted over chip guard on the rockers not in the wheel wells.

[ToySnakePMC]

That blue Targa is CUTE.