Kbrown, I would try and slide the kick panel under the other. Should be doable from what I remember. Removing the top inner cowl will open up a can of worms with keeping the windshield opening correct. Not saying it can't be done though.
I didn't have to do the kick panels but I did do the side and outer top cowel panels. The repop top outer cowel took some good massaging to get to fit properly. And will take some more to match the curve of the hood where the two meet.
Sounds like you have a game plan now. Keep us updated and post some pics of your project every now and then.
