Entry stairs with cracks in tread

[skippy67]

One and a half inch cracks have appeared on each side of our top tread. I tried to take the stairs off in one piece, but since they are not centered in the recessed area, bolts are hard to reach without taking off the belly cover. There are heavy duty type rivets (four on each tread) that hold the step in place and I have taken two out and will get the other two off today. I have plans to take them to a welding shop to get the cracks repaired and some backing for extra strength. I was wondering if I should just purchase with a new tread instead? I looked on the internet and can't find them. Am I on the right path to just get them repaired? Thanks for any help. David

[grindstone01]

I tried welding my steps but was still not happy with them. I finally found a new set on Craigs List for $40 that someone had removed to install a flip down type. Keep looking!