Volvo Repair: 1998 s 70 glt turbo, magnetic screwdriver, cotter pin

Question
some skills --104000
i am trying to replace the trunk struts on this car the strus have a ball and socket on one end--trunk and a c like joint on the other -towards driver.
The problem is the c joint is about six inches inside the body with acess through a round opening the circum.. of a tennis ball.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE TRUNK APART TO GET ACESS/ DO I REMOVE THE REAR SEAT
cAN I GET A LONG PAIR OF NEEDLE NOSE PLIES TO SEE IF THEY CAN GET BACK FAR ENOUGH?
THE directions i have found are for the struts with a cotter pin so this must be a new system
Any help will be appreciated
thanks
chris

Answer
Hi Chris,I have no experience in your problem...but if you speak to the service manager at your fav. Volvo service dept.and ask him in the right way...he'll help you...
     Don't waste his time.. get to point..listen...listen and thank him...he likes thank you's.
          You could back into doing this job by carefully exploring the options you mentioned...usually "C" clips are best removed with a skinny-like screwdriver that can fit into the opening of the "C".A magnetic screwdriver could be handy....use lots of light and....don't loose your cool.
            Good luck Chris.

                   Bilbo