Pulled the carby apart, cleaned and poked and looked everywhere -- all looked clean -- changed the needle and seat to a "new new" one -- carby only about 2 hours old -- and it runs a lot better, not flooding all the time but still not 100% because a bit of "overflow" still occassionally coming aout -- but does not seem to be a problem, will give is a run anf see what happens.
The angle of the carb (GMC mentioned) does seem a bit too much and it would be good to see what it would be like if I got the carby sitting a bit flatter.
Also, was very carefull to get the float tang straight and not bent as it had been, so cannot be sure what made the improvement but it is definately better "around the back yard"
Thanks for all of the help
Also, GMC, saw the tank you did for me (for BigK), lovely workmanship, really nice job