Lets this is the stylesheet i want to call
<link rel=“stylesheet” href=“css/960_12_col.css” />
how do i convert it to php
Have a look at how the default stylesheet is called in WP. That will show you what to do. 
Got the answer
<link rel=“stylesheet” href=“<?php bloginfo(‘template_url’); ?>/css/960_12_col.css”/>
No my next problem is the images are not appearing just the “alt” being displayed hmmmm. Do you have any idea on tutorials on how to convert html/css to wordpress.
there is no wordpress to html… you have just to check your Images Link Path if it’s correct or no !! / Check if the Images Folder is Writable (Permission 755)
Maybe a link or a bit of code will help us more to give you a proper answer!
Goodluck