So, I got a price from the local diesel mechanic to replace the head gasket today. I supply the parts, (gasket kit and new bolts) His labor is 325 If I want to send my head in, the guy charges another 125, fully disables it does the test and reassembles it if good... Seems like a fair price. He can start on it tomorrow so I guess I need to order some parts so they get here for him.

I figure as it sits, the car is a parts car...

So the plan right now is simple, get the 87 back running, then sell the 81, and redo the 85. The 87 will become the family hauler for now.