You're right, BB. The handle has been snapped and welded back together (poorly) and then that piece of metal has also been added to keep it all together. Is there anywhere that still sells the upper handlebar piece? I'd rather replace it than have some sort of Frankenstein handlebar on my freshly restored mower. Will get you a photo of the 20 inch when I get a chance. This whole full time work thing is really getting in the way of my new hobby. Ha!
I've gone through the Outdoorking store and all of the expanded parts diagrams and written a list of nuts and bolts to order. There are a couple that are cracked and there is a fair bit of rust. For the sake of $100, I'd rather just get all new parts for peace of mind. I'd feel pretty silly trying to save money and then have a bolt crack when I start the mower for dad on Christmas day.
