Dear List,

I am trying to get the rings compressed (with pistons attached to rods and
engine in the car).  I am currently in practice mode - using the old rings
but I am finding, as warned, this is bloody tricky.  Not to mention it is
getting awfully cold outside - my hands nearly froze to the cylinders
yesterday (I am now storing them inside).

Some observations:

1) I have a standard blue steel compressor: http://goo.gl/Eapbve  (which
has now been cut down as slim (width) as possible, thereby removing a strip
of steel that I could also use with a hose clamp) and it very nearly fits
(or maybe not) in the tight space between the water jacket and the sleeve.
 If you've used one in this scenario, where did you locate the compressor
ratchet mechanism when doing the last cylinder: top, bottom, side?  The
bottom seems to nearly work.

2) Even if I were to get the standard compressor to fit, how on earth will
I remove it?  I would need to unwind it all the way and slide it out I
guess?  Or unwind it so it fits around the cylinder?  I can see being able
to do that on the first cylinder, but that seems practically impossible on
the second one when there is no room.  If you've used the compressor (hi
Alistair!), which route did you go?

3) It seems that the VW specific ring tool ( http://goo.gl/RdkUEp ) would
be much easier to remove (but looks like fun job to get it to compress).
 Alas, while it ranges from $5-10, it seems to be out of stock in Canada
and about $30-40 to ship.  Bah.  I'm considering making one from the steel
I cut from the compressor.

4) I really liked the zip tie then cut idea from Angus Gordon.  I have a
hose clamp, but tightening it would seem quite difficult.  I presume that
the way you would tighten a hose clamp is by going in the same access hole
(water pump/pipes holes) when you are doing the last cylinder?

5) It seems the sensible order to attach cylinders  would be first the two
on the rear/flywheel side and then follow by front/pulley side.

I am considering dropping the engine, if only so I can (a) get better
access, (b) haul the engine inside to be warmer or god forbid (c) admit
defeat and take it to a shop who will roll eyes, cluck, and then likely
punish me for my arrogance.  I guess most VW mechanics are used to some of
that.

As always, thanks in advance for any illumination.

Tom