This was my first free 7 1/2 footer.
And this is what I started out with.
This was the end result after a couple of evenings.
The basic tools where the backside/flatside of a hatchet, a propane torch, pliers, screwdriver, wrenches, paint and my hands and fingers.
Go for the 7 1/2 footer it should be way better than a 6 footer.
I replaced the 7 1/2 footer with an 10 footer not to long ago with better results.
The bigger the dish, the better.