Gerry,

I have 71K miles on my 1.9 rebuild.  
I used heads from 2 vehicles with over 120K miles on the odometers. 
They were both pitted. 
I cleaned the head mating surfaces thoroughly, applied JB Weld to fill the pits, then carefully sanded level with a sheet of fine sandpaper taped to a sheet of glass.
I pulled the valves and lapped them with a Sears Craftsman tool and valve grind paste.
I am not sure this was necessary.  The valves and guides were fine.
I was impressed with the durability of the valves and guides on my 1984 1.9.
That is all I did. JB Weld and, a LOT of elbow grease.

I would steer clear of rebuilt/welded heads. If yours are bad I would find some decent used heads, or buy new.  
I believe Halsey Automotive in Portland, OR, had new heads for $300 and something. 

Good Luck!

Scott Maurer  (Boise)
1984 Vanagon GL
1985 Isuzu Trooper
1988 Isuzu Trooper
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: gerry rafferty 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Monday, June 05, 2000 12:46 PM
  Subject: Pitted Heads

  I am rebuilding a engine core 1.9, and both heads look OK but both pitted.From the archives,and what I intend to do,take to a shop,rebuild,and jb weld the pits.
  Can you tell me your experience you have gone this route?
  Thanks 
  Gerry

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