First, see if you can switch the front and rear stone guards. On some TM's you could do this - on others they are a different size. If you can switch them, it will prevent any future stress on the repaired guard. BTW, the guards are surprisingly easy to remove. Don't remove any screws!
When mine cracked, I got a piece of aluminum strap (any hardware store), I think 1/16 inch thick and about 4 inches long. I positioned this inside bottom flat part of the stone guard, as you suggest, then pulled the crack closed and drilled two holes on each side of the crack so I could pop rivet it into position. You may be able to buy white rivets, or you may have to paint them yourself. Use aluminum rivets - they are easy to pull.
After riveting, I used a wet finger to push a bit of white caulk into the crack from outside, just to hide the crack.
Mine has lasted quite well.
Bill
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