1941 Ford Brake spring tool ????

[Veeder]

Was there a special tool made to stretch the spring between the two shoes I'm installing new springs and I'm finding it very difficult to attach the spring with the shoes in place. I have tried to mount the shoes to the bottom after attaching the spring but just can't believe it was done that way in the early 40's. I also do have the conventional brake tools but they don't handle the job. My gut is to fabricate something and be done with it but thought I would ask the experts first.