Removing trunk tension rods E Body

Any tips to removing these rods without losing a finger? I need to remove a hinge and repair a oval socket to fix a nasty rattle. Anyone else have this issue? Drivers side, 71 Cuda.

No tips??

I removed the rods before by going inside the trunk with a light to remove them - they should have less tension. You could mark the holes on each side or take pictures - to get it back the same way.

That's a great idea, thanks! By the way, '71 Cuda has only 1 rod (saw that there was some question on another thread)