new parts=new dilemmas for gimpy

[therealrayman]

okay, heres a list of parts i bought for my wrecked baby:

-nifty skull tankpad
-carbonfiber bar ends
-carbonfiber clutch and brake handles
-new shifter lever
-New windscreen by Speedscreen

Now on to my dilemma:

I have been working on my bike over the week, removing damaged/old parts, preparing for when my new parts come in the mail. Well, i got around to the handles and started working on the clutch handle. A little work and i got both bolts out, then i used a pair of pliers to unscrew that weird collar bolt thing that surrounds the clutch cable, after i unscrewed that collar thing, the handle just popped off easily. Once i had it off i wanted to make sure i could get it back on so i woulnd't mess up my new handles. PROBLEM! I couldn't get it back on! I can't get the boltcollar on AND put the cable tip into the handle....HELP ME! Anybody have some tips on installing the damn clutch handles?????

Another question, any tips on painting my cowl? i dont own a paintgun so only spraypaint is an option, wut brand of spraypaint could i use w/ good results but still find at discount auto parts?