Hydraulic lift replacement

The dealership just told me the top on my 99 Cabrio won't go back up because the hydraulic lifts are broke and leaking. They quoted me at $500 for each one and there are supposedly 2 (right and left). Please help me with the following, I am completely anti-mechanical:

1. Where are the two lifts located?
2. Is there anywhere I can find these that won't cost me a grand?
3. How hard would it be to replace them myself if I had the parts?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

First, get yourself a Bentley Service Manual.

Second, here's a list of online sources you can search for the needed parts: http://dana.ucc.nau.edu/~kaw5/parts.htm

Third, the lifts can be accessed via the two sides panels in the trunk; the Bentley will tell you how to get to them and most likely how to replace them.