Sorry I saw this thread the other day and then got distracted.

You need to be strong!

Start swearing and use some gripping pliers

This thread has some good pictures to help you out

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/341139-hood-hinge-springs.html

Chapter 88-306 in the FSM has a few hints on the whole hinge removal (but has forgotten to mention the spring)

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!