>When I removed the head, the cylinder barrels were stuck on so tightly that
>I had no recourse but to remove the cylinder barrels with the head.
>Still haven't gotten them loose, but with several days application of Kroil and
>some techniques still untried that probably won't be my biggest problem

Mine acted like they were welded on.  I damaged two cylinders getting them off, so be careful!

>Can the cylinder barrels be re-installed over the pistons without requiring
>the use of several special VW tools to pull the wrist pin retainers, the
>wrist pins and to hold the barrels "just so".  I've found a ring compressor
>that should work in a tight space that might do it:

Some on the list will tell you its not possible, but I have done it.

I used a Snap-On ring compressor that would fit in the tight space, although if I had to do it again I would probably try using a hose clamp as a ring compressor, if I could find one wide enough.  The only trick to it is that there's more space around one cylinder than the other, so order of installation is important.  Sorry, I don't remember which to do first, but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out.  Other than that, be patient and you will get the cylinders back on.

I will be happy to try to answer questions, but its been six years since I did mine, so some the details have been forgotten.

Bill