There are two patches for FC2, only one of which you are likely to need. Both can be found
here.
The 1.2.1 patch gets you up to speed and multiplayer compatible with Black Shark 1. Install this to a fresh (or at least unmodded) install of FC2.
The network hotfix is only applicable if you intend to host multiplayer sessions. I haven't installed it, and I don't know much about it (there isn't much in way of documentation either), so hopefully somebody else can chime in here.
For the mods, skins, et. al.,
LOF (formerly Lock On Files) is the best repository on the net. Be sure to check out
ModMan 7.3 and the November 2012 patch for your mod management needs.