K... So as I'm moving forward, I stole the idea to use the machine screws. But along the way I completely and ever lovingly *^@%ed up the cowling on one of the landing gear. So I ended up making it right by sealing it up with ultrakote and epoxy mixed with white acrylic. Looks great!!
If there is any advice I would give to anyone building this plane in the future... the biggest thing are these dam cowls. Cut them and then mount them BEFORE gluing/screwing them to the fusealage. Got the firewall paintined metallic and got a coat of epoxy on it. It looks and feels amazing. The picture doesn't do it justice. I'm half tempted to leave the cowl off, but I have fiberglass cloth ready to reinforce the inside of the cowl with. So, I'll stick with that plan...
I am going to put a smoke system on with my 7 cylinder radial. Anyone have any recommendations on tank orientation? I think side by side 24oz tanks along the y axis is what's going to be the most practical.