Poll: Military tribute or original?

I'm getting to the point in my restoration (CJ-2a Restoration, Let the Fun Begin), where I need to decide what this thing will look like when I'm done. My original options were originality, military tribute and resto-mod. Since then, I've eliminated resto-mod (just couldn't do it) so I'm down to bringing her back to her original 1946 glory or as a military tribute (USMC of course). Yes, I know a CJ-2a was never a military vehicle, but it's my Jeep and I can do it if I want to. Keep in mind, the difference between original and military is 95% cosmetic.

So here's the end game for this thing. I plan on having it on the road by the end of May, driving it for the summer and then putting it up for sale. Even though profit isn't my highest priority, I'd certainly like to make a couple bucks while I'm having fun.

So, what's the consensus? Do I do the right thing and do the originality thing or do I commit fraud with a military tribute?

For resale, the Jeep might be better as stock in color, etc. With that said, you do exactly what you see fit!

I have nothing against military jeep clones but as an owner of many olive drab military jeeps I'd say go for original 1946 CJ instead of olive drab. I think olive drab jeeps are boring compared to the bright civilian color combinations available. 

Edited by TateC - 27 Jan. 2020 at 2:02am

I have a 51 3a in OD. Bought it that way from an ex-Army guy in Albuquerque. People always say "that Army jeep" and I have to either correct them or just go along with their belief. If it had been up to me I would have preferred a sand color. But I still like it. In your case, I'd vote for one of the original colors (see the Kaiser catalog). Would say the only benefit with OD Carq is it is a flat paint and easy to repair with a spray can when you scrape or dent it. Probably have something like it in the sand colors... don't know. Have to think about it sometime.

I wouldn't sweat the resale either way. If you go military, you'll always at least attract buyers who want the military look regardless of pedigree. If you go stock, you'll attract people who want the originality. Make it the way you'd like to have it.

  I would never do that (paint a civvie as military). I also would never paint a military vehicle in a civilian color (or a WWII vehicle in a Desert Storm color). That's just me. But I have some of both, so it may be easier for me to decide. At the same time, one of my best friends has a CJ3A dressed as an M38, and I'm not a bit ashamed to park one of mine next to his. I'm proud to know him and his jeep.

In the CJ-2A history, it’s mentioned that olive drab paint might have been used during the ‘46-‘47 years, ‘cause it’s listed in the parts manuals

Not a fan of clones at all....that being said why not restore it original but then make a functional MB grill AND the original CJ2a grill. Swap them out as you feel the need. Win win