69 b body hood pop up spring removal

So, whoever repainted my Bee painted the pop up spring and hood latch. Got the hood latch and all cleaned up and looking decent but I'd like to clean up that pop up spring.

Is there a way to get it off the car without doing damage to the surrounding area? And then, how to get it back in there without scratching the area?

It sure would be a lot easier to clean it up if it were off the car. Thanks in advance!

grab it, twist it. No tools needed. Maybe some oil to help it slide without gouging the paint.
Or cut a lid from a sour cream or yogurt container and use the thin plastic to slide between the spring and the paint.

Sure to scratch the paint that way. You need to bend the tab that holds it down. Use a plastic tool and only bend it a slight amount. Put a usiness. Are down right next to the spring on the raised area so you don't scratch the paint, then rotate the spring to get it out from under the tab.

Don't bend the tab that the end of the spring goes through.

What is the correct finish for the spring ? bare metal ?

Thank you all. I appreciate the help!