struggling with connecting the wiper rod...pics!

When I bought my Dart, only the driver's side wiper worked. It was missing the connecting rod that connects the two wipers together. A member here helped me with getting the rod and I bought new bushings off of a guy on Ebay. I have a 1972 Swinger.

How do I get the nipple to fit into the bushings? I can get the rod connected but when the wipers start, they go for about 3-4 seconds and then one side of the rod falls off. I know I am not getting the bushings snug enough onto the nipple. Is there a trick. Do I need to flip the rod around or something? One of the other things to consider is that the dash in completely intact. I am trying to work through the glovebox and under the steering wheel. Add to that that I am currently 300 lbs and 6'2 and you have a very frustrated large man. Please help.