As if by magic, and by using a combination of all of the above sage advice, the aforementioned nuts and washers have been located. Is there nothing that can't be solved by a quick post on here?
Much against my better judgement, I even called upon the gods, muttering a few hallelujahs and hare hares around the barn, as lauded by Monsignor Garner, as after 2 and a half days of increasing profanity and ill temper, I was prepared to do anything... for the sake of my other half as much as anything. I even attempted to ring Simon's son-in-law, touted as an expert in these matters, however he didn't answer, probably having being called upon to locate Simon's reading glasses (which he was most likely wearing on his head).
In my middle-aged, rave-addled mind I had a vague recollection of a cat... no I wasn't having a flashback... who normally patrols said barn for upholstery-wrecking rodents (very effectively), suddenly deciding to use the hood as a scratching post.... the effect being I hastily put down whatever I had in my hands at the time (you guessed it... ) to rapidly intervene in this wanton destruction, and once I had finished making a fetching Davey Crockett style hat out of the moggy, sufficient time had passed (literally minutes...) for me to forget what I was originally doing.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Austin7Friends there the bits were, on my old Montesa trials bike seat. Crisis averted. David's advice on the upturned hubcaps normally resonates with me... I have one of those magnetic dishes (probably made out of melted down old hubcaps), but this was already in service for said Montesa, whose original Amal carb is currently in bits and on its final warning (like it has been for years) before I replace it with a Mikuni.
So thanks again to one and all for the Karmic guidance... which leads me on to my next question, and a new thread....
Picture of feline culprit attached... butter wouldn't melt
Ah the old Montesa. Never had one. I was put off by the fact that if you stalled it you couldn't kick it up in gear, you always had to find neutral which wasn't easy if you were up to your neck in a muddy ditch. Bultaco, then Kawa, Fantic & Yamaha man was I.
Having just fed the Motoring Dog and the resident cat (who, like all cats, MUST be obeyed!)it occurs to me that stainless steel cat feeding bowls would make a good substitute for hubcaps or magnetic bits receptacles...........