NK, the zip tie bodge is a lot easier in this case and will do the same job until I get hold of an original made from spring steel.
Just changed the oil. Wow it was almost line Tyler described. Very black. It will certainly welcome the Shell Helix 15w40 I just poured in.
Mowed the yard with it today. Fantastic old bomb.

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