How hard can it be to replace hatch pins? After reading others' posts about it and then trying myself...the answer is "very hard" (especially if they are rusted on and you don't have proper tools)

I ended up butchering the top rubber housing on the right side. The left side one is possibly salvageable.

Was dreading that I would have to tie-down the hatch with rope somehow as it obviously wouldn't stay closed without pins. But today, with a fresh mind, I cobbled up this solution with doubled-up metal strapping.

Any reason this won't work in the long term and thus save about $300 for new rubbery pieces?