Wanted to introduce myself. I'm an "older shade tree mechanic" that has an opportunity to pick up a supposedly restored to original 1954-55 military jeep, he wasn't sure of the year. (Pic attached)
My web digging indicates that it is a gen 1 M38A1. I arrived at this from the split windshield, hinged grill, cowl battery box with thumb screws. I will be going to look at it and take it for a drive and will check the run of the mill stuff (fluids, rust, any bondo, frame and things that do or don't work.
Having no experience with these older jeeps, what would you recommend I look for to verify it was restored to OEM ? I believe it should have a solid back or no tailgate?