Guys- get a piece of copper tubing that fits over the strut. Cut it so it is long enough to slide down and lock in place when you have the hood up. Only bad part happens when someone tries to lower the hood without moving the tubing first.

That is a good idea, especially as a temporary solution, until you can change them. But like you said I'd be afraid of someone trying to close the hood or the hatch with those in there and then either of them being damaged so I'd only use them at home. Anyplace else, I'd just use my hand to keep them open.

But you saying that about the copper tubing got me to thinking. I wonder if a piece of stiff, fairly tight fitting rubber tubing could be used in place of the copper tubing? You could cut it to fit the full length of lower part of the strut, split it down the side and then slide it onto the lower part. It should be strong enough to keep the hood/hatch open, but if someone would try to close either of them it should be flexible enough to split open again under enough pressure to come off the lower part and let the hood/hatch close without any damage.