Small block timing cover install problems?

I hope this makes sense. I am re-installing the timing cover on my '73 318. I haven't done this in years so bare with me. After putting the rubber C gasket in the pan, and the cork gaskets to each side. I find that the cover gets pushed up a bit and I can't install the cover bolts without pushing the cover down. Okay, that's alright, but I was taught to install the bolts loosly so the cover can move around, then partially install the dampher and let the dampher align the seal, and therefore the cover itself to the right place, then finish tightening the bolts.

Makes sense, since one doesn't want the seal and dampher misaligned. However, I can see that the dampher is pushing up on the seal because of the new gasket stuff around the pan. In fact, looking at the old seal, I can see that this was a problem before.

How do you guys usually do it? Thanks!