1956 Chevrolet 3100 Task Force stepside, running six-cylinder truck from a private seller

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: second-series Task Force Chevys are some of the most popular early pickups to build, and complete, titled short-wheelbase 3100s are getting harder to find under $15,000. This 1956 3100 (VIN 3A56N021390) is a red stepside with white bumpers, its original bench seat in tan, an inline six and a three-speed column shift. The private seller says it was originally a Texas work truck, it has a clear title, and the engine is running.

Comparable driver-quality Task Force trucks have sold for $15,000 to $28,000 over the past year, so $11,000 with room to make an offer leaves budget for brakes, wiring and suspension. The listing is short on detail, so plan to see it in person or ask for a lot more photos before you commit.

The value check

The seller is asking $11,000. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $15,000–$28,000, so the middle of the market is about $21,500. That put this car 49% under.

Driver-level 1955-59 Task Force pickups sold for $15,000 to $28,000 between Sep 2025 and Sep 2026 (BaT, Mecum). At $11,000 OBO this truck asks about 49% under the $21,500 midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• BaT 1958 3100 Apache stepside, modified, $15,000 (Sep 2026)
• BaT 1956 3100 stepside, modified, $28,000 (Sep 2026)
• BaT 1959 3200 Apache long-bed stepside, original, $22,500 (Sep 2026)
• BaT 1957 3200 long-bed stepside, modified, $20,500 (Sep 2026)

What to check

• The listing does not mention rust: inspect cab corners, floor pans, door bottoms, the cab-to-bed area and the running boards
• Check the frame for cracks around the front crossmember and spring hangers
• Six-volt or converted 12-volt electrics? Ask, and check the wiring condition
• Original single-circuit drum brakes and kingpin front suspension need a full going-through before regular use
• Confirm the VIN on the title matches the door-post plate
• The listing has been up for a while; confirm it is still available

Making it drive like new

Task Force trucks take modern hardware well: a bolt-in Mustang II or full front clip kit with disc brakes, a dual master cylinder, rack-and-pinion steering, a 12-volt wiring harness and a small-block or LS with an overdrive automatic turn it into a comfortable highway truck while keeping the stepside look.

8 builders make a complete chassis for the 1955–59 Task Force pickup. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.