Looking for first chevelle

[brassmonkey]

You are on the right track. NO reputable shop would allow a set of heads to go out without putting in hardened seats.

So here's the deal - if the car runs right when you buy it the valve seats wont give you any trouble. If it needs to be rebuilt then the builder (machine shop that does the heads) will install the new seats w/o even asking you - its just what is done today.

My opinion - worry more about rust than the old valves.