Hood strut hardware

[sjeppell]

I need to replace the pneumatic hood strut on my 88 190E 2.3. There is a funky expansion connector on the top that is so rusted I'm sure I'll destroy it when removing it. The new strut did not come with new hardware. Can anyone recommend where to find this piece? It's a nice design because, unlike a cotter pin, it doesn't vibrate around inside the hole.