502-Powered 1956 Chevrolet Panel Truck

Description

The mid‑1950s Chevrolet Task Force range of trucks offered sleek lines, good ride quality, and a wide range of body configurations tailored to both commercial and personal use. Available as pickups, Suburbans, and various commercial chassis formats, the platform also included the panel truck—an enclosed, steel‑bodied cargo hauler designed for tradespeople and businesses needing covered transport storage. The panel variant stood out for its smooth, windowless sides, dual rear doors, and expansive cargo area, making it one of the most versatile work vehicles of the period.

This modified 1956 Chevrolet Panel Truck is now powered by a Ramjet 502ci big-block V8 paired to a 4L80E four-speed overdrive automatic transmission controlled by an EZ‑TCU system. The truck features numerous modern updates including upgraded suspension components, contemporary audio equipment, improved cooling, and air conditioning.

Painted in a custom two-tone grey and blue color scheme over a partially finished interior, the truck rides on chrome Cragar wheels and features a dual side-exit exhaust system that complements the big-block's rumble. Stopping and handling have been enhanced with a Camaro front end, disc brakes, QA1 rear coilovers, and a Ford 9" rear axle.

This modified 1956 Chevrolet Panel Truck is now offered with receipts, some spare components, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Powered by a Ramjet 502ci big-block V8 with Holley Street Avenger 670 CFM carburetor

• 4L80E automatic transmission with EZ‑TCU controller and 2500–3000 stall converter

• Finished in two-tone grey and blue metallic paint over a partially finished cabin

• Upgraded drivetrain components to support uprated powertrain

• Modernized interior for added comfort and usability

• The chassis number (3A56S009796) decodes as:

  • 3A – Series designation – 3100‑series ½‑ton Chevrolet truck

  • 56 – Model year

  • S – St. Louis, Missouri, assembly plant

  • 009796 – Consecutive production number

Factory Equipment

• Two‑door cargo panel truck format with rear double doors

• Steel bodywork and body-on-frame construction

• Chevrolet panel truck body

Modifications

• Powertrain:

  • 4L80E four-speed overdrive transmission with EZ‑TCU electronic controller

  • Ramjet 502 big-block V8 with aluminum oval-port intake

  • Holley Street Avenger 670 CFM 4‑barrel carburetor

  • 150‑amp Powermaster alternator

  • Dual side exit exhaust system

• Drivetrain:

  • 15" Cragar wheels wearing BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires

  • Front disc and rear drum brakes

  • Ford 9" rear end with 3.89 gears

  • Heidts bolt‑on Panhard rod

  • Detroit Locker differential

  • Camaro front-end swap

  • 31‑spline Strange axles

  • QA1 rear coilovers

• Interior:

  • In‑glove‑box Planet Audio 7″ touchscreen head unit with Bluetooth and hands‑free mic paired with four JL 6″ speakers, four Sony tweeters, and 10″ Diamond subwoofer with Kenwood amplifier

  • Sound deadener installed in rear cargo area (interior unfinished)

  • Forever Sharp steering wheel with Chevrolet Bowtie center

  • Old Air Products air-conditioning system

  • DieHard battery with under‑seat cutoff

  • 5″ backup camera on switch

  • Dolphin gauge cluster

Servicing & Documentation

From the seller: “I was given an accordion file folder containing all the documentation that came with the truck, along with some photos showing how it looked before the build. There are no additional servicing documents beyond what’s attached. All major drivetrain, cooling, electrical, and suspension components were installed in 2022, and the audio system was newly installed by me. I performed an oil change about three months ago using Valvoline VR1 Racing Motor Oil SAE 10W‑30.”

According to supporting documentation, the following was performed:

• July 2018:

  • Front wheel alignment

  • Exhaust work

Known Imperfections

• Paint imperfections throughout from road use/time since refurbishment

• Interior unfinished (sound deadener installed but needs completion)

• Right-side rear door hinge is scuffed

• Rear bumper shows scuffing

• Corrosion on underbody as shown in the photo gallery

Ownership History

From the seller: “The truck was completed in 2022 and kept in a garage in upstate New York until I purchased it. The truck is in great running, driving, shifting, cooling, and braking condition.”

Included Items

• Accordion folder with service records, build notes, and parts manuals

• Chevrolet 502 valve covers

• Uninstalled interior panels

• Front hood emblem

• 2 sets of keys