I'm pretty sure I am out of luck here, bit I'll try anyway.

I just picked up a stainless Hon convertible bike which is missing the latch which holds the frame closed (unfolded). It is currently held in place with what appears to be picture hanging wire. Any idea where to find a replacement, aside from checking ebay from time to time?

Any idea on the compatibility of this frame latch between different models of Dahon bikes?

Any tips or hacks on replacing the latch with something other than wire? It doesn't have to fold easily.

The bike is pretty cool looking. It must be one of the very early ones as the stickers say 'Hon' instead of Dahon. The only thing resembling a serial number appears to be etched into the dropout by hand.

Aside from the frame latch, the rest of the bike seems to work, although the Suntour 3 speed (which I hope is just a Sturmey AW) needs a little adjustment and probably some oil. I need to swap the brake handles as right-hand-front will kill me pretty quick.

Small amounts of rust on the spokes and most of the hardware. Rims appear to be Aluminum. Biggest rust issue is on the odd quick release levers which are unlike any I have ever seen.

Oh yeah, what in the world is an 'investment-casting component'? The sticker says my bike as 10 of them. Well, maybe 9 if the latch was one of them.