A lot of swamp coolers come with the motor separate, so getting it together is a bonus. It should be complete.... with on/off switches, cord and float looking at the manual but not a thermostat.
Andrew
I thought you were just going to set it on bricks or something.
I have only seen one box style one that had a fill up on the front of it like that, and my mom has it - it's ancient! From before I was born (so it's probably 30+ years old) - again, try Craigslist for a 2nd hand one. My mom used hers to keep rabbits cool in a trailer over the summer.
I'm going to call her tonight, I'll ask where she got it, if she remembers.