Bicycle Tutor

HELP
I am overhauling a 25 year old Scapin. By far the hardest, most frustrating part of the process has been installing new brake lever hoods. I cannot figure this out and I have already put a tear in one of the new hoods. I can't believe this is so frickin' hard.
I have removed the brake lever and cable from the handlebar.
I have released the cable from the calipers and from the brake lever so all I am working with is the lever and the hood (one of those common Cane Creek replacement hoods).
I am trying to slip the hood up the lever (held in) then up and over the handlebar mount. It just won't go no matter how much I muscle it. I've tried soap, talc, whatever to lubricate it. It will not go without what would seem like extreme force and tools to expand the hood larger and that does not seem like it should be necessary.
Can anybody please explain this or point me to something on the web which clearly explains this process. I have googled extensively and come up with nothing useful.
Thank you in advance for sparing me my sanity.

Only advice I can give is:
- depending on the shape of the lever, some hoods are easier to put on from the 'front' meaning you slide it up the lever portion where your fingers go first, and some go on easier form the 'back', where they clamp to the bars.
- if you're going from the front, I'd leave the levers clamped to your handle bar to make them easier to hold
- on some levers, you can remove the 'lever' part from the body/clamp part. That might make it easier
- soak the hood in hot water. This "may" soften up the rubber a little. Don't go too hot though.