Can't fit oil plate back on 69 Beetle

I have a (new to me) 1969 beetle. While completing an oil change, I found that I can't fit the plate that holds the oil in the car back on. The plate has 6 fasteners, 3 are bolts that screw into the plate and car to fasten it. I have no problems with these, they screw back in fine. However, the other 3 are nuts that screw onto bolts that are attached to the car. I can't seem to fit the plate accurately to get the nuts to screw on. They simply do not stick out far enough to screw the nuts on. I have rotated the plate to every possible position, but still can't get the bolts to stick out far enough to screw the nuts on. So, now she's sitting in my driveway with no oil. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!