Hav, becarefull to what the 2nd garage says, as will be biased against 1st one.
I cant see why anyone will fit a H/g twice, when they are cheap.
Also the headgasket wont be in bad stat, due to amount of abuse the cars Not had, and even if no Anti freeze was fitted, still wont fuck the H/G in the time your looking at. And bubble's story is bull.
Make sure either a Payden (£15) or a Ford (£38) item is used. both are the same item, as both made by Payden, just 1 hasn't got ford stamp.
Also Get non strench bolts. (£15 posted to you, pm me)