Body / Glass: 1942/46 Trunk handle assembly- spring compression

[TXCR13]

Not exactly sure what year the trunk handle is I'm trying to re-assemble, but I think it is 1942/46.
The handle is held in place in the trunk lid bezel by a coil spring and c-shaped metal retainer ring.
My problem is that the spring is quite strong, and I am not making any headway getting it compressed enough to get the keeper on. Almost looks like a special tool may be required.
Anyway, I am sure a number of you folks have done this successfully, so I would appreciate any suggestions.
Also, is there anything that fits between the handle and bezel, to keep them from rubbing, or is it just chrome against chrome?

Thanks!!

[TXCR13]

Well, here is what I did. Went to hardware store and bought a similar spring, with less tension. Was able to modify a fenderwell hose clamp into a c-shape which fit the spring and let me compress it in a vice enough to insert the keeper.

I had two or three different trunk handles, and now beginning to think I got parts mixed up and had the wrong combination when I tried to assemble this one.