I am thinking of welding a 3/4 by 1/4 inch plate over the welds, I do not believe there will be interference. Suggestions?
I too am not clear where you plan to reinforce. Did you mean "over the bends"?
The more I think about it, the more I like that rebuild thread from the K100 site.
Strengthening one part of the stand's tube steel would move the stress to the unstrengthened part. You would presumeably need to reinforce the entire curve...
Added weight affecting the retaining spring.
What would happen if you welded beads along the stand to ground contact area, where I assume this wear is occuring. wouldn't that add material to the area where the steel is wearing away?