[jcommin]

I have done this a few times. What works for me is:

Use a small hose clamp and secure it to the lower shock. Be sure the mounting hole of the shock is not obstructed by the clamp.

Mount the upper shock to the hood.

Use (3) med size plastic wire ties. Thread one of the ties thru the upper shock over the pin. Join all the 3 wire ties to form a circle.

Take the lower end of the loop and place it around the clamp. It should grab the screw of the hose clamp. Position the lower part of the shock almost perpendicular to the inner fender.

Lower the hood. The shock should compress. Tighten up wire ties taking up the slack in the loop. As you raise the hood the wire tie/clamp arrangement will keep the shock compressed. insert the lower shock into the ball of the lower mount.

Cut the wire ties and remove the hose clamp.

The hard part is positioning the shock so that it can compress without slipping on the inner fender.