We went through this months ago, but it bears repeating if only to prevent one list member from tearing a set of beautiful old latex rubber Campagnolo hoods:
Pushing hoods on from the back of the lever body runs the risk of tearing on the sharp corners (four) of the back of the body.
Here's my method _guaranteed_ not to tear those megabuck Campagnolo gum hoods with the sunray logo. Loosen the set screw and push out the pivot pin and then remove the lever (watch for those plastic bushings; two for each lever). Now slide the hood on from the front (very easy to do from the narrow front end) and pull all the way on and past the back edge so you clear the pivot pin hole in the body. Now reassemble and then slide the hood forward to its final position.
Use the lubricant of your choice for sliding the hood around the body. I like rubbing alcohol; slippery, evaporates very fast and leaves no residue so your hoods don't slide around as you're climbing out of the saddle.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, Southern California