Thanks for the info in this post. I am about to tackle this project. Will 20 gauge copper wire work ? Thanks!

edit, nevermind, found it in another post by androulakis

 

This was one of the first (of many) repairs on my X-Type and I happened to have everything that I needed laying around the house.

In my case the inner brake cable from a bicycle caliper brake and crimp end clip worked perfectly.

 

Did mine last month with a bass guitar G string and a hardware store double ferrule!

 

Hi
As former owner super-glued my leaper in place, when it came off, I didn't have any springs or clips to work with. So, following this thread instructions, I used steel braided picture hanger wire, plus a compression spring and two washers (all from my local Ace Hardware). Didn't have help, so used a pair of vice grips pliers to hold it in place while I crimped.

If you are interested, steps are:
1) First, you must wrap your leaper - it is heavy and will ding your paint. I used my mechanic glove, but wrap it in cloth as it will definitely bang against the paint on your hood.
2) buy compression spring, large washer, small washer, and 1-2 crimps. I bought too many to be safe, so the other supplies in photo are redundant.
3) ran wire up through hole in hood, through leaper bottom, back down holed. Threaded on large compression spring, large washer, then small washer.
4) used vice grips to squeeze spring and hold washers in place, then put on 2 crimps. One would do it, but I overdo everything.
5) tucked my oversize assembly up into the hole in hood, so no one would see my work.