heat tabs:
http://www.partslocator.com.au/supplies/cid/3/category/Heat%20Tabs/parent/0/t/supplies I don't think all of them work exactly this way, but you get an idea of what they are. Machine shops, junk yards, and auto. mechanics use them all the time. Usually, they're installed on freeze plugs. Now, if I didn't know what I know about Supras, I would blow off anything a Supra owning customer tells me about how to torque head bolts, and follow the book. Sorry, but as far as mechanics are concerned, if you knew anything, you'd do it yourself....
As far as the head gasket, it blew because the car overheated; that's what they do. Now, if the head was torqued using the wrong pattern, that would be a problem. Yes, we all know the book is wrong for head torque, but the mech. has the book as the right way to do things. As long as he can point at the book and say I did it according to Toyota, he's in the clear. Unfortunately, you taking it apart, instead of a qualified mechanic, won't help your case.
If the cooling system wasn't fixed, that would be a problem as well. Especially if you didn't want a new radiator, t.stat., or water pump when they recommended it.
Now, if you got charged for new parts, and can verify that old/used/worn parts were put on instead...
If I was closer to you, I'd gladly take a look with you, and see if we couldn't figure out what went wrong, especially if you paid out a good deal of money for new parts.
