Top roof- Padding front rod.

Hello.
 I'm replacing the whole roof layers on my Cabriolet 1991.
So far I successfully installed the headliner. Now I'm dealing with the middle padding.
I'm struggling to reinstall the rod that holds the fabric on the front side. It looks like the position of the cental notch of the rod that holds a bar strap is opposite to the position of the rod end sections that need to be inserted on the holes of the structure.
Does the rod needs to be wrenched? I'm afraid to damage it.

Thanks for your advice.

See:
https://www.volkswagenownersclub.com/threads/cabriolet-top-pad-installation.32182/

Yes. I had to twist the rod. You have to lift the nails that are closest to the end of the rod. Then twist the rod with pliers and insert them. It requires effort. But it is done….now I'm working with the padding. Hope next weekend I can complete the top installing. Oh yes I'm panicked about cutting the canvas to install the rear window. … let's see..