My 56 build

[slammed57]

Jason, I bought that same cowl panel. Mine fit pretty good. I would call who you got it from and see if you can swap it out or get a refund. Before that I took my original and did what you are doing. from my experience cut only one set of vents out and then fill that patch area. then move on to the next set of vents... be very careful because the whole cowl warps VERY easy...After I did mine it had only slight warpage , (but still very usable) I still went with the after market just because it fit pretty good . hope this helps