Just to clarify: even if you do not add air to the forks you will still need the crossover collars, or have the holes in the forks welded shut. It's a bad idea to let air draw in and out of the forks as it would generate condensation and would cause all sorts of bad stuff. Plus the fluid could (and would!) spill out. Since the best thing is to not add air, my suggestion is to weld the holes shut.
Good call, I can source a collar relatively easily, but it sounds like I'm better off to skip the air altogether anyway. BTW the springs were in upside-down. ; )
Just an update on my progress and my "new" ride for the time being. Check out my other thread http://vfrworld.com/forums/introductions/40490-winter-project-84-vf700r.html