Definately the rope trick works like nothing else! I used a piece of nylon rope that was about 1/4" thick. And, use two people, one in the car pulling the rope, and another on the outside, applying pressure as you pull the rope in, gasket pops right in place.
Also, you WILL need to use ATV sealer around the gasket, as it WILL leak without it. And, be prepared to do it a few times before you actually get all the leaks out. Also, DO NOT PUT THE CHROME TRIM back on till you get the leaks stopped, and be careful not to put too much RTV around the OUTSIDE of the gasket, as you will end up with a blob of RTV where the chrome trim attachment clips go.