I have been wondering what that cowl would look like mounted that way for decades and you did it! Any more pics from the left side and rear quarter view looking along the left side?
The only way to overcome the fuel tank issue would be to remove the built in tank and install one of those autonomous handle mounted tanks used in professional series mowers.
Interesting suggestions regards spare full cranks.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!