No pop-up springs were available with rubber on top. Several years ago on a similar question somebody's found that a rubber insert was available for a dodge small SUV. Unfortunately, I don't recall the model or year, maybe some member can chime in. I found one in a local yard, and I have it at my painter's garage for now, so no photo, sorry.
...might haveta change it once in a while......
I was thinking more along the lines of a rubber end cap for like a table leg. Or glue a piece of plastic where it strikes the hood. Oh well some ideas are better than none. Russ. 
Where the heck did you go Dave you vanished for a while.
That sound's like a good Idea. Thought about one of those chair skid pad's that you get at a hard ware store. It might not look too good but was just thinking. Thanks droptop. Russ.
Grate TOMRR. Knew someone had a better idea. Than letting the metal spring scratch the paint off the hood. Will be looking for the pic. Russ.
Great idea, attention to detail. Long forgot about that bare metal pock mark. Same difference with those painted latch catches, even with new cars. Just one thing: I believe the cap as such will be worn right through after a dozen closures or so. I might use a gasket punch set and make a heavy rubber disc and cement to that spot on underside of hood. Rubber about the thickness of truck mud flaps.
I thought of both ideas like a piece of mud flap cut to fit using trim glue to hold it. Also thought about those skid pad's also dmartin. Still think the rubber leg caps might be fine just paint it black. Good ideas all around guy's. Was also thinking of the hood catch. Well thing's to think of in the future. Russ.
fixed all my problems!Answer is simple. Go to a lift off a12 hood. Presto, no hood spring!!
