65 Cuda Steering pot coupler tabs.....Help!

I have spent most of the day fighting those d@#% retainer tabs that hold the rubber boot to the steering coupler. I would be happy to use the large clip that goes over the top of the coupler, but because it is an early A.....It looks like the housing is shorter and those readily available clips won't work. Is there an alternative for my car? I have clamps, channel locks, vise grips....everything on my bench. I already broke one of the tabs off my original metal cap, so I am now using the aftermarket one that came with my re-build kit. The smallest things can be the biggest pain. Any ideas guys?
Thanks