We all know Mark loved the "Dukes of Hazzard" growing up (kinda hard not figuring that out). His other interest was in the action-packed, high-flyin' show known as "The A-Team" starring George Peppard, Mr.T, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz.

Recently "The A-Team" started showing up on a local television station in the form of re-runs - something that has happened little in recent years. Released on DVD, the original television show has enjoyed a surge in popularity as of late - and a hightened interest in the famous Black and Red van that moved the characters of the show from mission to mission.

Mark recently set out on an "A-Team" mission of his own - to build an A-Team van replica. With no privately owned screen-used vans out there - replicas of the van are the only way to go. The series of course used numerous vans - some even older models with round headlights, and occasionally second-unit stunt vans without the molded running boards.

GMC was the original maker of the early 80s G-Series vans seen on the show. Finding one in decent shape that can be used for a replica is harder than one might think. The van must have the rare "solid" door without side windows and the double opening doors in the back with windows. G-Series vans were sold in many configurations and in both 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton configurations. For a replica - one needs a 1/2 model (so it will accept the correct wheels) - and be absent the side windows so common on these models.

(Below) - Scotlea Hot rods was able to find a solid sliding door - and locate two alternate doors with power windows and door locks for the front doors. Just for the convience of these features - the front doors were swapped out on the van. The bodywork was then done (see below) - and the molded steprails were added - including the top fin. This old 1986 van was completely turned into a running and driving A-Team replica!