The bracket for the hood ends in a spool of metal wound into a spring. The caps(?) holding the spool on don't appear to be nuts or have edges for a wrench. Does anyone know how to get these caps off without damaging them? Thanks for the help. Progress is being made.

 

warring!!!! those springs are VERY powerful. if you just disconnect it will fly around and hurt you very bad. you must hold the spring pressure with a clamp ECT. best to check with a body shop. OR just pay them. how much is your finger worth? in the OLD days guys would take the spring of the rear deck lid. this shifted the weight more to the rear. AND do NOT try to do your garage door spring unless you have been shown the right way!!!!!!! a friend has a garage door shop. he has SOME story. has seen more bandaged hands than a doctor. just pay the experts!!!!!!!