When I do the valve adjustment on my 240D, I leave most of the linkages intact and attached to the valve cover. When you un-bolt the valve cover from the head, you can just roll it to the right (er, toward the driver's side) and lay it upside down still attached to the accelerator linkage. It's in the way a little bit when you do the valve adjustment but it's not as annoying as trying to disassemble and reassemble the whole job. You still have to disconnect a few pieces but most of it can stay intact.

- Nathan
'83 240D "Steiner"
'00 New Beetle TDI