Many thanks and my sincere appreciation to all who have replied. While the nylon bumper clips mentioned COULD certainly be a solution, I'm not sure that this is the way to go for me.
These vintage engines I restore need to look as original as possible (the paint jobs actually look BETTER than original), as my clients/buyers are installing them in vintage mini-bikes and go-karts they are restoring. I think that these clips will stand out "like a sore thumb" especially installed on a top recoil strut as in my case. Again, I'm appreciative of the suggestion and MAY still have to go with the clips.
Here is another idea I was thinking about- I welcome your (candid) feedback.....
I have some old junk recoil shrouds that I could "canabalize" one of the unbent metal tangs. I cut carefully cut it off and weld it unto my 1969 shroud where it is needed. Then bend it down and install the nylon bumper (which I have NOS extras).I would think that with some grinding down of the excess weld and after painting it may not be visible as a repair at all. Your thoughts?
A special comment to bgsengine (Brian)- While I do thank you for your gracious offer to send me some of the clips, no need to go to that trouble as they are readily available on eBay as Oregon part # 43-009 and Stens part # 150-037 for a cheap price. I can purchase them there if I end up going that route.
I did learn something by posting this question- I never knew that they even made a "repair" (clip) for this application!
Michael