The OP is trying to assemble a hood support like the attached. Not a coil spring. I took the spring off of mine to zinc plate the supports. I managed to get the spring back on without losing any body parts. It was a little scary.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.