Hi Mcrey. Welcome to the 'world' of Gilson and Montgomery Ward. Sounds like you got a pretty decent package there, especially with the cab.
To start, I believe that the machine info is on the right hand side, just above the foot rest, on the support for the gas tank and instrument panel. Should be on a plate. The engine info could be in a couple places, depending on the engine manufactrurer. My Briggs & Stratton info is engraved in the fan shroud, left side, under the air filter, just below the carb.
If you have the machine info, there is a listing in the Gilson Collectors forum on
www.yahoogroups that will help determine the machine year. There are also alot of pic in their files. On the B&S website, the motor info can be used to get approximate age, plus any info they have on that engine, including printable books. The GilsonCollectors forum has a bunch of printable booklets, too.