New Project, Many Questions

[jbboater]

Just bought a 68 swb chevy truck. I have been looking over this board for days and have already found answers to many of my questions. But a few I have not had any luck with.

Patch panels- What company or vendor has the best quality. I notice gmc pauls claims to have heavier stock than the rest. I need pieces to repair the wheelwell on a fleetside, rocker (inner outer) cab supports, cab corners and lower front fenders.

Welder- Planning on purchasing a mig, any input on size requirements,brand etc?

What is the "tower"? I am planning on removing the 250 six and dropping in a bbc mated to a turbo 400 or maybe an overdrive auto (suggestions) but it seems this "tower" relates to the engine size?

Thanks for the help, sorry if I missed any of the answers in other posts but I did try to find.