1968 front fender with cowl allingment question

Dear forum members,

I have been working on restoring my 1968 Mercury Cougar for quite some time, 
but I am completely dissatisfied with how the fenders align 
vertically with the cowl. 
I have tried everything, yet they remain at least 1.5 mm too high along the entire length of the cowl. 
When I bought the car, they sat flush with the cowl. 
I am at my wit's end, and this is really stalling my build. 
I have already consulted the club in the Netherlands, but nothing has really helped. 
I will attach some photos.

I really hope that you guys can help me out with this matter.

Greetings from The Netherlands