I could adjust out the play which was a couple of inches at least if the two parts were allowed to swivel.

It is a round hole rather than square or a keyway, so relies solely on the tightness of the bolt to keep the two parts adjusted.

I had punched the accelerator pedal a few times to get some fuel into the carb as the car had been sitting a few months... Now I know the limitations of that setup I'll be a little more gentle.