[Ron Mummert]

Or.....you can do the 5 cent solution. Find a 2' or longer piece of 5/8th PVC pipe. Find a bench saw. Put saw fence close to the blade, lower blade enough to just cut through one side of the pipe, & run the pipe 2, or 3 horizontal passes through the blade. Cut the slot at least 6" long, or whatever needed to slip over the strut piston when hood's up. Cut the pipe to length from the leftover piece that kept your fingers from bleeding profusely. Raise hood, & snap piece on piston. This fix will outlast a middle east war. The pipe's groove will slip on & store on the battery hold-down piece. You're welcome.

Ron.