Sorry to hear that, and surprised too. I would try teflon before I gave up on the bowls, though. Be careful not to get any loose tags of tape where they will go into the carb...bad potty.
I'm not aware of a helicoil-type repair for the bowls...go to this link
http://www.holley.com/TechService/
and tell them your situation...they will sell the parts or tell you how to get them. I got some impossible OEM carb and fuel line parts for a '66 427 'Vette restoration from them quick and cheap.