Bilstein struts

Two questions:

1. I am stripping my 79 SC to be painted. When I get it ready to take to the shop it will have all glass and the engine removed. Do the front struts add anything other than dampening? I would like to remove the struts and have the tub painted body color.

2. Is there a paint number to repaint the factory Bilstein struts green?

Thanks

The struts also hold the top of the upright
(spindle) inline. without them the wheels would flop in to almost horizontal, plus youd break your ball joints. wouldn't recommend even considering it. dangerous and costly.

That's what I wanted to know.