I have achieved Targa nirvana.
 

Today I drove 25 freeway miles through Seattle rain ... and not ONE SINGLE DROP got by my targa top! This is a true milestone for me and a rare achievement.

It took a rebuilt top and correct front seal (thanks Dan Petchel), a new rear seal, and last but not least a dollop of silicone grease on the front seal where is seats against the side window frame.

Next, on to replace the s****y air conditioning system with the $2K boxes of parts sitting in the TV room!

Nice! That's really cool. I still have some issues with the windows. I'm dry at the front and rear (new seals and a Dan rebuild on my top). Now it is just the sides. That is the winter project. Rebuilding the door cards and then getting the geometry right on the windows.

what brand of silicone grease did you use please?

Just delete the ac you'll never regret it.

No way! I'm a Seattle heat-intolerant weenie!

Pretty garden variety; SIL-GLYDE fro AGS Company. You can get it or something equivalent at any auto supply store. Useful stuff.

How often do those targa tops leak? I haven't received my targa yet, being shipped now. Do these tops leak often? I would not want to tuck the car inside every time it rains!

How many old Harley Davidsons leak oil?
Answer to both questions is they All DO! As rubber ages it shrinks which means it doesn't seal as well any more. Nothing a little money won't fix.

These cars need cover or garages so might wanna rethink the leaving them outside thing.

I built a 73 911E targa this year with factory A/C. If you take the A/C seriously and renew all the parts that refrigerant goes through, then make sure all the ducting is working, then make sure your motors are working - I like the upgraded Griffiths blower motor, then the A/C can work very well and be a welcome addition to the car. Most guys say pull out the a/c and throw it away but I also find most guys take the easy route and/or are cheap.

My '84 leaks so what, but it's tolerable. Renewing seals and adjusting window position stops, etc. are keys to minimize them. Porsche actually has a few manual supplements that address these adjustments to stop leaks.

I imagine that the new Targas will be more watertight due to an additional 45 years of engineering. And even though my AC works and is much appreciated, I'm sure the new cars will do better.

Seattle heat? Oxymoron, right? :)