Fox can't even support their own shit for more than five minutes.
Six and half a dozen I'd say. Unless you know the restorers work I'd be inclined to go non-restored. That way anything you have to spend money on is new and done properly rather than using someone's dubious word they've done it right and done what they say they've done. In the Pace world, a fork that's got an invoice from Tim or Pace would be great, or in Zocchi's, someone like Dr Zocchi or another respected suspension place (unfortunately most of the mainstream ones these days just don't have the time or parts sources at hand to deal with older stuff, but I would happily recommend some if they did). This leaves it likely being down to someone who has 'restored' their own, which is always a bit suspect unless you have pics. For an extra £50 I'd take the risk, but if it's more than the cost of just buying even half the potential parts yourself I'd not bother and just do it properly myself.
Do it ourself. Manual is very good and all parts are available.
You want to make an actual, legit mountain bike out of that thing, I'd say you were right to begin with. In spite of all the Fox hate in this thread, an old F80 would go right nice with that frame and it'll take a lickin (and parts are available). But for a period build, tasked with general lollygagging and fiddle-farting around, XC series forks are great. Inexpensive, beautiful, and Dr. Zocchi is right here to hook ya up.
