Westin HDX Extreme Nerf step boards

I have a set of these boards which already have been replaced once after only 5 months due to rusting. Now the new ones are rusting bad and I decided to fix it myself rather then dicker around with Westin. I have taken them off and am going to get them sand blasted. Then I will paint them with a self etching primer and a bed liner like Raptor or something similar.

Problem is I have to take the step pads off and can't figure out how to get the clips off the tabs on the bottom without breaking them. Anyone have any idea how to get these off or can I get replacements somewhere and I will just break them off?

 

Got an answer. Thanks. Now I just need to find replacements for the ones that break. sigh