This may not be a very satisfactory answer... but reflects what I would do in your situation.
I suggest preparing and painting the channel and a set of spacers (make them if you don't have originals). I'm thinking of painting them separate from the frame so all sides are painted and look the same (also match frame and channel) and can be either put in or left out as appropriate. Once you have the main body in place on the frame, install the channel, do a trial assembly of the front end shell to the body and frame and check to see whether the spacer fits between the channel and the curved angle at the center of the front shell. If it fits, unbolt the channel and install spacers between frame rails and channel, if it won't go during the trial fit-up you don't need the spacers but you didn't lose a great deal in time and materials making them.
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