22" EMAD Heavyweight Bass Drum : It didn't fit my 80s Pearl BD. (See Update)

I have an old 1980s Pearl Export kit, all very standard but strangely the claws for the bass drum head have like a "dew-claw" at the back which doesn't do much but makes sure the head and hoop are in contact with each other even if the head is loose. The problem is: This head doesn't fit the bass drum/hoops with these claws. You can get about 80% on but no matter if you try starting on one side or opposite pairs by the time you get 2 left there is a cm gap between the hoop and the rim of the head. No amount of forcing will get it to go on.Even with 2 of us forcing it together and one sitting on the bass drum hoop.

By this time the tuning bolts were starting to bend out of shape.

UPDATE: I had to order a set of Stagg Claws as the fault is really with the Pearl Bass drum...

So with the new claws I was finally able to fit the Evans. There are 2 foam ring dampeners that fit the external collar. The small one had enough dampening to give a good solid thud. Unless I wanted a 1970s disco thud I can't see that I would use the thicker dampener.

Glad I was able to fit it as it is a great sound. Hopefully won't have to change it now for another 30 years LOL!