OK I see. So don't you think he should only pull on the lower hinge bolt while somehow holding the cowl. Just a small pull to see if it's going to go. Need to measure or set up a primitive indicator to be sure cowl does not move. I do see a cut option now. Like cut a slice inside the Z and enable a softer pull, then bend, hammer, pull the Z out and weld the slice closed. In lieu of cutting the pillar off at bottom, straighten it, have access to straighten the Z and weld pillar bottom back on. (plan C).
What do you think Kevin, he's got two mechanical engineers! We don't even make one good body man.