I should point out one huge difference between ring jobs in the '50s and ring jobs on modern cars…the engine orientation and space around the engine. Okay, that’s two huge differences. The point is that I’m not sure most transversely mounted engines could be done without removal from the vehicle. Although I’m sure the '84 F-150 that was the subject of the call could be.
I agree that it’s an obsolete activity. By the time the rings & cylinders need doing on a modern engine, the rest of the engine is pretty tired too. It’s no longer a “weak link” in the designs.