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The A-Team Van

Wednesday, 24 June 2009 21:14 administrator

The A-Team van as shown in the episode "Say It With Bullets".

The black and metallic grey GMC Vandura van used by the A-Team, with its characteristic red stripe, black and red turbine mag wheels, and rooftop spoiler, has become an enduring pop culture icon. One of the original six vans used for the show is displayed in the Cars of the Stars Motor Museum in Keswick, northern England.

Early examples of the van had a red GMC logo on the front grille, and an additional GMC logo on the rear left door. However, early in the second season, these logos were blacked out (although GMC continued to supply vans and receive a credit on the closing credits of each episode).

It is a common error that the van is said to be all-black, whereas in fact the section above the red stripe is metallic grey (this error even followed through on to most toy models of the van). The angle of the rear spoiler can also be seen to vary on different examples of the van within the series. Additionally, some versions of the van have a sunroof, whereas others, typically those used for stunts (and including the one displayed in the aforementioned Cars of the Stars Motor Museum) do not. This led to continuity errors in some episodes, such as in the third season's 'The Bells of St. Mary's', in a scene where (the double of) Face jumps from a building onto the roof of the van. There is clearly no sunroof. However, a few moments later, in an interior (studio) shot, Face climbs in through the sunroof. Also, in many stunts where the van would surely be totaled, other makes have been used, such as a black Ford stepvan with red hubcaps painted to simulate the original red turbine mags.

A number of devices were seen in the back of the van in different episodes, including a mini printing press ('Pros and Cons'), an audio surveillance recording device ('A Small and Deadly War'), and Hannibal's disguise kits in various episodes.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 June 2009 21:15

History Of The Chevy Van (wikipedia)

In 1971, ChevyVan received a major redesign, moving the engine forward of the driver with a short nose and hood. The van body was bolted to a full length truck style frame. and employed stronger truck style hubs and brakes with dual A-Arm independent front suspension. The major restyle followed the engine-forward design of the competing 1968 Ford Econoline. The engine was placed forward of the driver with a short nose and hood. Suspension and steering parts came from the Chevrolet/GMC C-series pickup trucks. GMC now marketed their vans under the VanDura name.

For 1996, the Chevrolet and GMC vans were replaced with the next-generation Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. They adopted aerodynamic styling, and the extended 15 passenger version rode on a longer wheelbase, rather than just an extended body. A left-side door was made available for the declining passenger van market.

Engines

The G20 passenger van came standard with a 4.3 liter V6 (165 hp (123 kW) and 235 lb·ft (319 N·m) @2400 rpm). The G20 could also have a 5.7 liter V8 (200 hp (149 kW), 310 lb·ft (420 N·m) @2400 rpm). A 7.4 liter V8 (230 hp (172 kW), 385 lb·ft (522 N·m) @2400 rpm) was exclusive to the G30. The transmission choices were a four speed automatic or a five speed manual. Chevrolet also offered, in 1995, a pair of 6.5 liter naturally aspirated diesels.

Updates

1971

All new bodystyle was introduced this year, which continued until the end of the 1995 model year.

The Vandura and sister ChevyVan replaced the earlier flat nosed model. The GMCs were introduced in April 1970; interior components such as the steering column and steering wheel were sourced from the Chevrolet/GMC C/K pickups. The short wheelbase vans measured 110 inches (2,794 mm), while the long wheelbase was 125-inch (3,175 mm) wheelbase). Clear blinker housings were used on early models, along with blue grille ornaments on Chevrolet models.

1978

1978-1982 Chevrolet Van

The front sheetmetal was updated. Changes include: a new, built-out plastic grilles with integrated blinkers, different fenders, round headlamps on lower-end models and square headlamps on higher-end models, new steering wheel similar to the 1973-87 pickups, and new dash. Front and rear bumpers were enlarged.

1980

All 1980 vans were given new rear view mirrors on the drivers and passenger doors.

1982

For 1982, the locking steering column was introduced, along with a new column mounted ignition switch. It was the last model year for a 3-speed manual transmission on the column, and round headlamps. A 4-speed automatic transmission was also introduced.

1983

Stacked 4-headlights introduced, alongside with a revised grille. Base models continued with 2 headlights. All vans models now have square headlamps. From this model year on, tilt steering was available with a manual transmission because the steering column was retilted to be similar to the C/K trucks. New steering wheels were introduced as well to be similar to the cars for that time.

This version was made famous by the American television series The A-Team.

1984

New swing out side doors were introduced to go with the standard sliding side door. The doors were a 60/40 split.

1985

The taillight and side marker lenses were redesigned. New Grille Treatment similar to the pickups.

1986/87

Most engines are fuel injected and a 4.3 litre V6 replaces the old 4.1 liter inline six. Diesel engine is available. A carbureted 5.0 liter 180 hp V8 engine (option LE9) was also available in the 49-state version, with fuel injection for California-emission vehicles.

1990

Unlike the Dodge Ram and Ford Econoline vans which had a welded-on body extension, a 155-inch (3,937 mm) wheelbase was introduced (about the same length as a Chevrolet/GMC crewcab truck).

1992

Facelift using the front grille from the former Chevrolet/GMC R/V series pickups and SUVs (Blazer, Suburban, Crew Cab/Dually), previously phased out of production in 1991.

1993

4L60E automatic transmission introduced, replacing the 4L60/700R4.

1994

A driver's side airbag was made standard.

1995

A new longer nose and four head light design was introduced, a very popular school bus conversion.The engine also received a facelift, with the 4.3L V6 now labeled the "Vortec". Engine sizes remained fairly the same e.g. 4.3L, 5.7L, 7.4L engines. Several versions of the van were available for purchase depending on the buyer's needs. Base model was basically a stripped down model - no thrills, very limited interior and no rear seats. The "Sportvan" Had all the features of a full conversion van, but no rear seats and no fiberglass roof extension. Then finally, the "Conversion". These models were sent from the factory bare-bones, to have the interior and exterior upgrades added by third party companies such as "Mark III, Tiara, Coach, Starcraft, etc."