I have a weird cracking noise when the cowl twists like changing from level travel to turning across a dip. I was looking at the braces going from the tops of the front shock mounts back. Back where? It looks like maybe somewhere under the leaf guard/wiper tray? It looks a PIA to tear it apart.

 

Hello, no it is not that difficult to remove gray plastic windshield cowl.

(Eight screws total) Remove the 4 screw covers and remove screws with philips and then there are 2 screws at the bottom end on each side (one each side) and two on either side of middle.

Of course you also need to remove the wipers blades as well . One bolt per wiper .

This is also a good time to refinish the wipers, light sanding and some black trim spray paint.

You'll love the look of refinished wipers.

If you are not in a rainy place maybe consider not even putting the wiper blades back on.

Now you will really love the look...

And Remember
Happy Motoring...

 

Don,
The wipers can be a PIA to get off depending on how long they have been there. I did this last weekend and needed to use a gear puller - and the one I had was larger than "ideal", so this took some time. Several others have reported this.
A couple of things to note that I hadn't seen in any of the earlier threads:
The drain holes in the front outside corners connect to rubber pipes that have straps to keep them connected - easy to deal with once you understand how it connects.
Once you have the scuttle off, you can just peel back the corners of the next layer.
Searching the threads for wiper & clunk will probably zero you on on the relevant ones.

 

Well. I pulled it apart and found nothing loose. Of course I lost the plastic nuts for the two front screws on the cowl, didn't even notice them during removal process. I really don't want to get into the dash!