Customs Installing new hood bumpers on a Shoebox Ford

Does anyone have a secret method of installing the 4 side hood bumpers on a '50 Ford? I can't get them pushed into the slots.

 

Lube 'em up! IIRC I used a white grease when I did mine. It made a mess but I got them on!

 

Liquid dish soap, no mess!

 

thanks, I'll try that. I tried WD40 but it didn't help.

 

Plain old soapy water. HRP