Well, another experience for the books. The seal remover tool depicted by Mark ended my frustrating 2 day ordeal after barely 2 minutes prying. It sometimes really is about the tools. Thanks all for the advice. Took the car for a spirited drive soon after with no leaks. Still like the feedback the 71 gives better than the 86. Just don't want the maint anymore.
JJ the proud pics are coming when she will accomidate. Merlot will be the catalyst.
Thanks all for the valuable advice. Just when you think you've seen it all....
Curt

On my 74 targa the transmission has to be disassembled to replace that seal. The TO bearing support is machined into the case. I didn't want to throw any negatives into the fray while you were down.

Don't worry about the negatives.
When researching previous posts of guys like Grady and Zimmerman, I found that to be one of the advantages of the 901/911 trans over the 915. Input seal replacement is straightforward with the correct tool.
I believe the trans in your 74 must be a 915, same as my 86. Trans has some dissassembly necessary to replace seal.
I actually like the shift of my 71 better than the 915 but my experience is very very limited (2 cars).
Curt