O.K., so you want to replace the hood springs with the newer hood
struts on your Bug, but the springs are loaded and there are no spring
compressors that small or thin. To keep the spring from popping out and
have something fly into your eye, get a piece of plywood or a 2X8 that
is at least 18" long. Lay the hood hinge flat on the plywood/2X8. Place
2 nails on one side of the spring ( towards you, inside the coils) at
the top and bottom of the spring. Place another nail on the opposite
side of the spring (away from you) in the middle. This will act a a
spring compressor. Now use a hacksaw or jigsaw with a metal cutting
blade and cut the hinge pin holding the spring and spring shaft onto
the hinge. Now once the hinge is removed, pull the one nail on the side
of the spring away from you out. Now hit the spring with the hammer out
of it's place. Whatever flying objects should fly away from you. And
now you are ready to install the hood struts. That's my tip for now.

Joe

Your Moderator And Proud Owner Of A '72 Super Beetle