Removing Hood Springs

Wedgie,
Even though the springs are not under full load, there is still quite a bit of tension on them. Once you release the tension, the energy will cause them to unwind QUICKLY. Be careful.
I would clamp the spring down to the hinge with a pair of ViceGrips, and just cut the spring with a cut off wheel where it wraps around the pin, then pry the rest of it out of the swedged area.
Once the spring is off, you will still have the material on the hinge necessary to install and retain the low tension springs.

George