You may have discovered a new source of income. Buy all of the old trucks you can find for $500, take them to the smog test and turn a $500 profit on each one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You can probably fix a blown head gasket for ~$500 if you find the right mechanic, but it might run $1000. The question is the underlying condition of the engine. At 235K miles, it's probably in need of rings and a valve job at the least. If so, you're quickly into a $2-3000 rebuild. Even a junkyard replacement engine will cost you $1000 minimum installed. Tough call - you're at the point where the lines cross on monetary return. If you have no need or use for the truck and it doesn't meet your requirements when fixed - and if you can't justify repairs as a hobby truck, you might as well take the $1000 and run..... and be thankful the State of California will bail you out.

Frank