I have for over 15 years, used a brake tool to remove the springs from my 1962 Chevy hinges and to reinstall the springs
( The tool I use is the one used to install the springs on brake shoes).
For removal the longer hinge support brace is clamped in my vise and then using a hammer and the brake tool I remove the spring by pulling the spring by prying it out and pounding it past the attachment on the hinge.
For reinstalling the springs on the restored hinges ( mine are zinc plated gold) I again clamp the hinge in my vise with a protective rag. I put the brake tool on the upper hinge mount and pry the spring far enough that the spring slides onto the mount( lots of noise and the brake tool needs to stay on the hinge).
I have removed at least 20 sets of 62 springs and 3 sets of 61 springs by the method noted.
i have reinstalled at least 18 sets of springs on restored zinc plated 61 & 62 hinges.
Too date no hinge springs have gone for a ride in a different direction.......
i actually finish painting the hinge springs( black) on the hinges to make sure paint is on all sides of the springs( after they are bead blasted on the hinges in the open position). Lots of taping off the restored hinges necessary to paint the installed hinge springs black and to keep paint off the zinc plated hinges
All my hinges get new rivets.
I find that over 90 % of used hinges ( I have had over 30 sets)have loose/worn rivets that lead to poor adjustment and hinges that won’t hold the hood up.
Paul