had a similar problem, except I lost the spacers, so I cut up some 38mm sink waste plastic tubing to fit. not pretty but it works.I have solved (I think) the chain clearance issue on the smallest sprocket by fitting a washer between the lock ring and the dropout. Next conundrum is to work out how to fit the now-refurbished front derailleur I was kindly given as a freebie onto the seat tube as the clamp is just that little bit too big, and the metal spacers that came with it won't stay put. I predict I will be having some fun with glue and sections of old inner tube...
Enjoying reading your adventures with the bike and the cats
john