after a bit of swotting up, i think I fully get it now and Mr. Heywood, looks like you were spot on with the incompatabillity between primo/profile.
So just for information before anyone else goes down the same road.
Stodgy helped me out by looking to see if there was a washer that fitted. No luck really
After a bit of reading, found that the Chainwheel is a profile imperial and the hole is a bizzare 22.2 mm and that the top hats fit but only for a 19mm axle and not a 22mm
I intend to ride this bike, so I will need to get it done as the chainwheel flaps like an old Thompson twins 12" that has been left in the sun.
So a trip to Radshop Saturday for a new chainwheel. Can't be bothered to fanny around, i am doing enough of that with the old skool, so I will just buy a new un...