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.

I'm not an expert to help in a repair, but I would suggest taking it to a frame builder if there is one that you can commute to. If the hinge can't be fixed and you love the bike so much, is it necessary for it to be a folder? If not, and it can't be repaired have the latch welded. At least you will have a bike you can ride. After all, its cool looking like you said.

Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.

Sorry, I wasn't clear enough in my original post, but I appreciate the response.

The latch is missing. It looks like it is just a bolt on part. The hinge itself appears to be in working condition. I don't want to have the frame welded, I think it is somewhat collectible and I'd hate to do something permanent like that.

If I can't find a proper replacement, I think I can probably cobble something together with some long bolts and metal plates etc.. If someone has already done this, let me know.

I see what you mean, but if it is a collectible like you mentioned, it might be worth getting it repaired properly otherwise the value to a collector, if you so wish to sell down the road, would be greatly diminished.

I hope you can get sorted out.

Cheers
Wayne

another suggestion would be to check your local craigslist for a cheap deal on a red, yellow, or blue hon classic - it is one of the most easily obtainable folding bikes on the secondary market and i am reasonably sure the latch assembly parts spacings are identical on both the stainless and painted models (you'll know when you see it). you can pick one up for around 100usd. take the latch assembly off and keep the rest as a parts bike; it will be cheaper than having custom part fabricated and plus you'll have a bunch of spares.
aslo, note there are variations in the assembly design:

regarding collectable-ness: my opinion (ahem) is that the stainless steel version is more desirable than it's painted counterparts, but unless the bike is in great condition with all the original bits intact, it ain't that collectable. if i had one, i would do some judicious upgrading with parts that improve the performance (and maybe reduce the weight) of the bike.

a collectable:

wouldn't it be great if you could just buy the part you need for cheap? gosh, i wonder how that could be accomplished..

Thanks for the very detailed pics and the link to the auction. I missed the fact that frame auction came with the latch. I sort of figured ebay would be the answer.

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