71 Duster hood hinges w/lightweight springs

On my 1971 Duster, I've installed lightweight hood springs to use with the AAR fiberglass hood. Problem is, without the hood mounted to the hinges I cannot pull the hinges down. It's like they are locked in place. No give to the spring, at all. I've double and triple checked for correct installation of the springs and they appear to be correctly installed. Is it possible the hood has to be mounted to give leverage to engage the springs? Or, should I be able to simulate closing the hood by pulling them down without the hood? Anyone had a similar problem?