72-80 Hood hinges modification?

[larey]

So I have this brand new hood, and now have new hood hinges. Can you bend the tabs that are pictured below that the springs mount to, without any major problems? I am looking at adding a ball stud for gas lift supports to them and then mounting them to my fender also. This will allow the hood to open and be shut instead of the springs that are currently used. I would be bending the tabs down to allow the ball stud to stick in some.

Thanks in advance,

Larey