A-Body Shock Tower Question

The inner fenders are spot welded to the top of the shock towers in that location.

Check the frame rails carefully. They rust from the inside out and can be paper thin. Especially where they kick up at the bottom.

I agree, I don't think the design was that good. Mine rotted out on the top of the frame rail where the shock tower is located. There's a little "pond" formed there that collects all the dirt and water and lets it pool there until it finally rots out.