1949-54 chevy hood springs

Has anyone tried to replace the hood springs on a 49-54 Chevy with gas shocks? I am looking for a way to hold the hood up without using the original spring.

 

A broomstick would be more "traditional"...

 

Get two hose clamps and small exhaust tubing to fit around spring, split tubing in the middle, wrap around spring and clamp it down to hold spring, lower hood a little remove spring.

 

easier to change spring

 

Drilling a few holes in the split tubing, inserting some 1/4'' bolts, and welding them in is a good idea too.

 

Does any one know any tricks or tools to put the original hood springs back on my 49 Chevy coupe??