Hood Hinge Stud Alternatives

Hey FABO,

Just wondering if anyone has done some custom fabricating to replace the factory studs that the hood hinge mounts on to?

Specifically, the top one. I have eliminated the coil spring portion of my hinges, so I'm not using the lower stud to mount anything on.

I got some new star washers and they are garbage. I looked at drilling a hole and using a cotter pin, but I can't really get a straight angle on the stud.

I'd like to remove the stud and throw a Grade 8 bolt in there. Maybe weld it in from the back side. Just wondering if anyone else has done something similar.

Thanks