Hey John,

        I had to do that very task in the parking lot of dept. store last
winter.  Get some short pieces of dowel (3-4") or broom stick.  Drill holes
through each end and use long screws or bolts and wing nuts to make
compression clamps for the cooling hoses.  Clamp them off at a convenient
location to avoid draining coolant.  Complete your repairs to the cooler.
Unclamp, fill, and bleed your cooling system.  Good luck.

Scott De Santi
86 Vanagon