This entry covers several weeks of scattered time on the cowling given other distractions such as travel and lack of motivation - not a big fiberglass fan and hoping that I go to the hangar one day and the cowling is all done. Not the case so got to suck it up and keep pressing.
With Denise's help, performed multiple bottom cowl install/mark/sand/reinstall cycles. Generally happy with the results so drilled and clecoed lower cowl hinges and mid cowl hinges. Afterwards, had a small gap at the bottom curve on each side (about 1 inch along the perimter) - basically cowling is inset from the skin about 1/8-inch. I noticed that slightly spreading the landing gear slot easily aligns the cowling and fuselage curve - will need to drill cowl attach plates to ensure gap stays closed with cowl installed (page 38-09, step 8). Not sure if this will create problems later or not. (steps 1 and 2)
Marked side hinge offset, clamped lower half of side hinges to bottom cowl, drilled, and clecoed. (steps 3 through 5)
Attached upper half of side hinges, installed pins, and marked pin/cowl intersect point. Trimmed side hinge pins and bent knuckles. (steps 6 and 7)
