Reinforcing rear-facing seat platform

[shrpshtr]

All,

What would be the best way to reinforce the rear-facing seat step platform area? Best I can tell there are 3 supports holding it up (2-1" angle aluminum on each side and 1-1 1/4" receiver hitch in the middle). The supports are about 12-14" and appear to be welded to a 4" x 1/8" plate (approx.) that supports the bag will storage area. The issue I am having is this platform is bent downwards. It has been this way since I bought the cart. I am sure this is a combination of overloading the seat platform (when folded down) and people standing on the platform riding (facing forward) while riding the cart. It's bent enough that when the seat is folded down, the platform has more than a 1" lean from the hinge.

So, can this current seat setup be fixed by straightening the components involved out and reinforcing them or should am I going to have to start over with a new rear-facing seat setup?

As usual, thanks in advance for all of the great information you guys are sure to provide!

shrp