Different heads have different profiles. Without detailed pics of clean lifters, guides or heads, or knowledge about whether or not the guides have been rotated, I don't see how you can see the wear groove or know what the tip depth is...let's let him/her clean up the machine and see if it works before worrying her/him it is unusable. This really seems presumptuous at this stage.
Appreciate all the replies. I am a little bummed about the condition of the heads as the owner oversold its condition. But im going to try to get it running soon and will see if a maxwell reel i got works while i wait for fresh tape. Will be off work round 3 and will post it set up and what im getting!