How do you install new hood hinge springs?

[35th LE GT]

I had to get new hinges for the 69 because the hood wouldn't sit flush when I closed it with the old hinges. The old ones were way too stiff and were causing pressure on the back of my hood when I tried to close it, which I believe bent it. I recieved the new repop hinges today as well as the new springs. Man, are those springs stiff! Anybody got any sure fire tricks that would help me get the springs installed? Thanks in advance.

 

[pabear89]

I use an old broom stick that I cut to the right lenght to prop the hood up.
Hook the spring on the rear hook and use a peice of rope thru the front spring hook and pull forward to hook the spring on the hinge.

PB

 

[zookeeper]

I use a regular carpenter's hammer. Simply hook the claw end of the hammer into the end of the spring and pull.

 

[thehueypilot]

I use a TV cable crimper (as in cable end crimper). It has the same opening diameter as the spring diameter so it can't slip off. I wrap tape on the spring end ( to keep from scratching)and clamp the crimper onto the end of the spring and pull. You can find this tool at Walmart for about $5.