Ok, I ordered some schwalbe 25mm tape. I patched 16 tubes total. A few had multiple injuries.
Without rim strips or a tube, I can get the tire to go on. Its not easy but I can do it without levers, using my thumbs. I might try a bit of baby powder to lube things next time.
For now I'm going back to the Reynolds wheels on Contador.
I have blisters on both thumbs from all this tire melarchy