I've been wondering about removing those torsion rods so I can paint them neatly. It seems there is a lot of torque on the rods and I wonder what kind of tool is needed to remove and reinstall the rods.
It is easier than it sounds, I had a hood prop, which is really an adjustable metal cane, to support the hood while I pulled them out. One you pull up hard on the corner, as illustrated in the above pics, they pop out. Then you will have to walk them out, and guide them to the opposite side of the car. I had to reposition my hood prop several times to avoid hitting my prop, since I did not have a helper. Put them back in the same way you took them out. After snapping them back into the car body, at the pic picture again, you will have to apply some man handling pressure to notch back under the hood. I found it was easier when the hood is lifted really high when putting the roller under the hood hinge.