Well if I was replacing the entire pan, I would say welding would be the only option. But I am only patching certain areas, and I personally think the rivets will suffice for my amount of abuse to the vehicle.

and, though temporary when shaded by welding, how much life span are we talking about in difference between pl500 and rivets? I would probably say the pl500 had a much lower strength rating than rivets would.

anyone have any experience with them to compare?