I picked up a '76 F100 300ci with 233k miles on it. I got it from a garage that had begun a rebuild on the motor, but the previous owner died, with no known relatives. The shop had pretty much finished the bottom half of the motor, but the head was as yet untouched. I paid for the work done already, and towed the truck home, but I now need to get a valve job done.
One local garage quoted me $700 if I bring them the head, resurfacing the old valves, but installing new springs, guides, and seals.
Another garage said $450 if I bring them the head, promising only to "replace any parts that need replacing" in that price.
What should I expect, and approximately what should I pay for a good job?

 

I just got mine back last week. Cost me $220. My guides were still "practically new" even with 93k miles!

 

You can probably save a few bucks by disassembling the head yourself. Most parts houses will have a spring compressor you can rent/borrow, the rest is all bolt-on stuff.

The local hi-volume machine shop here in Dallas get ~$125 for a valve job including surfacing. The shop I use quoted me ~$175 for a three-angle cut, surfacing extra. Guides/seals are $10-15 a pop IIRC.

You can get a set of springs for cheap if you need them.
NOS 1965 - 1968 FORD 240 6CYL VALVE SPRING SET | eBay