Bola964

Hi,
As the raining season started heavy in So. FL, I've learned the wet way that my Targa roof is leaking.
I was caught in a couple of situations where I was out driving my Targa and the torrential summer rain found its way into the cabin. Profusely! Luckily the drain tubes on the back of the roof are working well, so no water is staying inside the tracks. But I got fix it fast otherwise I will certainly have worst problems in the near future.....
There are 3 spots that I saw water coming in. On both sides where the sliding roof meets the fixed glass panel, right behind the front seats; and on the front passenger side where the the pop up deflector meets the roof. Please see the pictures attached for the bad spots.
Picture 1. Outside right side of the car.
Picture 2. Inside where most of the water is coming in, right behind the rubber piece.
Picture 3. Outside left side of the car.
Picture 4. Inside. A couple of drops only.
Picture 5. Front part where water dripped from the deflector.
Would anyone among my fellow Targians, or the general aficionados, know how to fix these issues without going through the the expensive proposition of replacing the entire roof???
Maybe I could replace the weather strips and rubbers?
Please give me some hope to continue enjoying my car during the summer season.....
All the help and tips much appreciated.
Thanks.
Bola.

Amfab

Yah know, Im no expert, but I kinda expect mine to leak a little.
I guess My old 3.2 did so much it doesnt really bother me...
But I live in Southern California so its not a big issue

There are TSBs on Pcar Workshop:
Here

A couple of them reference water leaks

One quick question, did you replace the rear axle plates or did the 97 ship like that? You have the updated stronger ones.

Bola964

Thanks Andrew,
I did not replace them, and I did not see any work performed by the previous owners on the roof, so I guess they already came like that from the factory.
Cheers,

2Many Cars

I've had my car in car washes and driving rain with no leaks so it is possible to make things completely tight. Bola, take a close look at your gaskets as the long, cross (side to side) gaskets look a little tired in the photos. If they've spent lots of time in the Florida sun they may be a bit hard and not sealing properly. Mine are soft and smooth and without the rough surface that it looks like yours have. New gaskets and a roof adjustment per the TSBs may do the trick.

993Maineiac

Search is your friend-this has been covered in great detail.

timothymoffat

I thought someone said you were the "Targa expert" Andrew.

kjr914

Nah, looks like they stripped him of that title....

Amfab

I have no Idea what any of you are talking about, Im just an addict

BTW I am gradually discovering that the later the Targa the more reliable the top. It seems that little upgrades may have been done depending on the build.
Bola and 2manycars, what year and month were your cars built?

2Many Cars

I have a '96 but not sure of the month build, March maybe. It's pretty low miles (27K) and I think always garaged so that may be a reason my gaskets are still in good shape.

MarkD

still looks like an expert from where I sit

Targa tops are a mystery to me

TYNUSKT

Holy crap someone who actually drives their car in the rain

ltc

I don't recall coming across anyone else on Rennlist who is as knowledgeable on the Targa top.

Andrew, if 'Targa Top Expert' doesn't quite suit you, please let me know what you would to have and I will be more than happy to accomodate you.

Cactus

I drove in so much rain Sat I thought I was going to wash away

Bola964

Mine is a 97 model, manufactured in December of 1996. 43K Miles.

luvmy356

My May 96 build has always leaked along the rear seal. I thought it was by design.

In the pouring rain, I can see the water dripping onto the rear panel seal, then the water goes into the side channels, and out the car. Its never wet on the seats, or on the floor so I figured it was normal.