Thanks for the suggestions - not keen on hammer and superglue, upsets the cosmetics (the bikes not mine!).
Its not that the holes dont line up just cant get the bolt in. If its safe to not put them back that's simple - I was just concerned it may not be structurely sound. May have to consider drilling an access hole then popping a little rubber thingy over the hole once I slotted the bolt in. Then again that seems like too much admin. Think I will wing it.
BTW good luck on the jod front Dibble - what do you/ did you do?
kp