Cowl brackets

I'm about to start cutting the front frame/inner fender area apart on the ye duster something doesn't seem right,the cowl to inner fender brackets have a gap between the brackets and the cowl. I want to see if anyone has any pictures / measurements if the bracket is supposed to have a gap or is supposed to be tight to the cowl.this car was in a pretty substantial collision and has the front end front another car welded on them the k member forward. Anytime input or pictures would be greatly appreciated, and if anyone has a measurement from cowl to rad support would help allot too. It looks like the spot welds have broke both sides but is consistent between both sides

View attachment 1716320287
The cowl area directly above the bracket shows signs that the car was likely in a crash and (somewhat) repaired.