so you have a tight pedal but brakes will not apply?
it sounds to me like some kind of problem in the wheels maybe?
did you check the backing plates when you replaced the shoes?
sometimes they wear grooves where the shoes ride and these grooves will actually keep the shoes from moving, even though you have a seemingly good pedal.

try pulling the wheels & hubs and rechecking this
if you do find worn grooves on the backing plates they will have to be replaced.
I would also double check the hardware configuration and make sure your guys got it put together correctly, make sure the wheel cylinder rods are connecting to the shoes correctly etc.