Did they even have a fan guard in 1980? This thing didn't have a clutch fan, so I assumed it was all wide open under there, but I don't know.
I must go research those 300/6 engine perches again...I know they changed several times over the Bullnose years, but it was never clear to me as to why...or how, etc...
I believe this fan guard is to protect fingers, not aid air flow. The perches are desirable to someone wanting to repower with a six banger.