Volvo: repairing head gasket, head gasket, 1992 volvo 960

Question
i just purchased a 1992 volvo 960. it needs a new radiator and the head gasket needs to be replaced. the car has been sitting for a year. i priced the rad. and head gasket at around 300.00
how much labor is involved in replacing these parts. some one told me its going to cost $1000.
in labor a lone! is this true? thanks concerned new volvo owner.

Answer
Unfortunely labor is going to kill you on these projects.  When I had the head gasket done on my car, the job was $950, mostly labor.  The radiator install, if coupled with the head gasket shouldn't add too much more to that, but definetly expect to pay $1000 plus.  The head gasket is about the biggest thing you can do to the engine, and involves almost complete dissasembly; hense the labor cost.  Your only other option is to do it yourself, which is possible, but a long tedious job not to be undertaken by anyone but a fairly experienced home mechanic (I'm getting to the stage now after a few years that I would feel comfortable doing one myself).  If you end up going through with the job, its a good idea to have the mechanic do some other things while the engine is apart.  I had mine replace the timing belt, as well as the rear and front main seals of the engine (in addition to the head gasket).  He basically only charged me the additional cost of the seals, so I saved myself another $500 in labor down the road.  Sorry to give bad news; but look at the bright side, after this job, the car has no reason to quit on you!  Plan on another 300K!  Good luck!