Today, there is light at the end of the cowling tunnel. The top cowling was installed and all the Skybolt fasteners now securely fit. The fix I put in place yesterday cured and is holding solid. Just minor finish work is needed and this disaster will be in the history books. I proceeded to install the two nut plates on either side of the cowling nose. The fit is fine, however, it should be noted I decided to install a stiffener on the right side due to the fiberglass layup on that side being too thin (IMHO) to support the nut plates. I then deburred, dimpled the X-over cowl close close-out plate, then riveted 7 of the 8 nut plates to it. I was shorted one, so I'll have to order it.