whip the head off, turn it over and use the edge of a steel rule to check it.
if its flat, gasket in, bleed coolant turn key and go, if not it should only cost around £80 for a skim and pressure test.
so, gasket for £30 - £50, skim for £80, add in some time (which you have if you cant work), gfood wether (which were getting more and more of now), some choice sweary works, some oil and a filter, a timing belt and your good to rock.
haynes manual is a really good start BTW.