So I'm still trying to decide which local mechanic I'll have do my head
gaskets.  Both reputable,  one says about $750 the other $1200.  Are these
quotes for the same job, or is one including work the other will just omit?

Anyway, the part about watching mechanics is that I'm very interested to
learn more about my van and how to work on it.  I've been wondering if I
could be around and observe while they do it and maybe learn a few things.

To you folks who are professional mechanics:  would this piss you off?  be
very irritating?  a waste of your time? would you charge more?

Thanks,

Doug Demarest