I think maybe the only thing I like better than noobs like myself trying to make stuff work, is when someone takes it to the next level, and is actually DOING it! You're that guy. Inspiration club. Thank you.
You've given me an idea. I'm not saying do it, I just want to get it written down while it's fresh: Take a cylinder of the proper diameter. Cut foamboard the necessary length. Width so that it meets as it goes around the cylinder. Remove paper from one side. Wrap the foamboard around the cylinder with the paper on the outside. Glue the edges together, add some tape for strength.
Next would be tongue depressors or something similar, glued to the inside to mount stuff to. The new cowling is tubular (dude) but the tongue depressors are flat. Some steam *might* allow one to mold the tongue depressors but I'm thinking swappable, and the pod has flat sides. A spacer made of foamboard, curved on one side, flat on the other could be scratched. Then it's just skewers.
Wow. I gotta figure out how to save that. I said you inspired me.