Mower deck needs repair

[Vintage]

I have a 48" w/b and the deck is separated where the top meets the side. This is from years of mowing sand. LOL!
Anyway what is the best way of fixing this, right now I just have a couple of L brackets holding it together.
Should I bring it to a metal shop and have it welded, or consider buying a new deck, or just leave the L brackets on it?

[ScottH]

you don't say how badly the top plate is separated, but I would suggest that you have it re-welded. make sure they weld the top plate level or you may always have problems obtaining a nice cut.

[ChadsLawn]

i had a 1/4" steel plate welded to the top of my deck..no more sand blasting