one hundred80, I really appreciate your reply. I should have checked out the removal of this clip right after I ordered a new strut then post my question as to how to remove it, rather than waiting until it was delivered.

I've made a mental note to keep an eye on the clip. Perhaps not a fair comparison, but the trunk strut on my vintage Alfa is held on by a very loose - I'm blanking on the name, but looks like a C. It has never been a problem.

When I pushed the fastener back on, it seemed to click into place just fine. I did not cut anything off, just separated the two thin metal clips on the edge - which were the removal hold-up. I'd tried a lot of bending in case that was the solution, but those two clips were always in the way. Cutting was not my first thought.