Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): C Clamp for the air cleaner stud, rear discharge, size c

Question
Hi John,

Following up on your advice yesterday regarding the Craftsman 6.75 Horsepower 21" rear discharge power propelled lawn mower Model# 917.377610 that I purchased in 1998. The air cleaner cover part#36191, stud part# 651041, air cleaner and bolt were missing.

Since the space is ever so small to place the stud into the slot, what size C clamp should I purchase?  I am imagining that the upper portion of the clamp is placed on the horizontal portion of the "L" shaped stud and the bottom of the C clamp is attached to the bottom of the slot. Hopefully then I can begin to tighten the clamp and hear it snap into place. Am I correct in what I should attempt to do?  I wasn't sure as to why you mentioned to place a bolt on the end of the stud to protect the threads.  Could you please elaborate on that?  I could use the bolt that will be used to cover the air cleaner cover. I await your reply and will definitely report back.  Thank you again, John.

Answer
 Hello Fred:

 I have Sold all my Tools for Doing These Repairs because I am now Disabled. However, I do remember that the C-Clamp may have to be Ground down a small amount to Work Properly. The Reason for putting the Nut on; you are working around a Threaded Surface and you dont want to Damage the Start of the Threads. Take a Ruler and Measure from the 2 points of Contact to get the size C-Clamp you need. You can see how it will need to be Modified.  Hope this Helps.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John