Keep in mind that the clips need to be put on the "outside" (or rearward) (hooked) side first, then the longer, forward side slides down until you hear it snap. If you install long side first, you will bend and curse everything until you have damaged something.
I
when you say 'rearward' is that towards the rear of the car or rear of the snap? I have always snapped the 'inside first ,then pulled to outside = rearward ....while cussing quite a bit, it maybe the reason I dont want to put top up unless absolutely necessary! lol