Questions about floor pans and replacement

[BigBadJohn]

I was wondering if the floor pans on these trucks are a major part of the body's strength or not.
Im also in to older camaros and I know on my 81Z if the floor pans were to rust out, would make the car much more weak

Im wanting to replace the floor pans because of rust. Theyre not horrible yet but they could definitely be replaced.
Problem is I dont have a welder and my welding skills are crap. Reason I was wondering about the streeses the floor pans need to withstand is, I was wondering if it would be safe to just put a bunch of pop rivets around the floor pans and then fill seams with putty/caulk

Im not restoring the truck mind you, just dont want my foot falling through the floor some day which looks very possible
Afterward Id probably use some spray on undercoating on the top and bottom of the floors to try and stop any further rust from appearing

Thanks

[hotrod24]

i would infest in a welder harbor fright has them cheap

[4x4orbust]

i just bought the harbor freight 90 flux core,  works fine for my first welder.  speed control is touchy under 2,  but welds just fine...

[Blazin]

I have replaced floors with rivets before. Its not as strong but if you rivet it down to the floor support, and rocker support, plus all around the edges it should be fine. I use 3/16 rivets with the large 1/2" diameter heads.
Welding is better hands down.

[oldwhity]

I too have done the rivet method and worked fine. I cut my pieces about 2" larger and drilled all the rivet holes while dryfitted. I laid a pretty good bead of roofing tar caulk around the hole(enough to ooze out the bottom when compressed) and then put it all together. After it was riveted(about every 2") I feathered out a bead around the seam. Make sure you grind out as much rust as possible and prime it before you patch it. Also try to use galvanized sheet metal if possible. When your done you can seal or paint it. Good luck.