I did not have a gearwrench just an open end 13mm wrench.
Slow and steady did the trick,
I was only removing the hinges for parts so I did not have to worry about reinstallation.
Not that I recommend it, but with the hood in max vertical position, I found it would stay in place on it own with one hinge removed.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily