American Chopper - loving these guys! [Text View]

SoBelle0

07-08-2005, 12:15 AM

Okay - I'm new to American Chopper... but am soo loving these guys. They are funny, and annoying, and building something about which I have no preconceived notion or knowledge.

Couldn't believe there wasn't already a thread about 'em. But, I just started watching this show during the repeats... and am noticing that the new shows don't have quite the same flavor. Did I miss something?

Paulie is the hottest, but Vance is the most real. Sr. just seems to yell a lot. And Mikey is most certainly the 'stabilizer' for the family. Can anyone fill me in on what I've been missing - or what's gone on with this show?

ps: their commercials for 7-11, Lance's show, etc. make me stop FFing... not a bad marketing ploy in my book.

SR2

07-08-2005, 06:07 AM

You've missed about 3 years worth. The best place to catch up is their message board and info page and discovery.com.

I enjoyed it for a lot of the same reasons as you, but it also got real old after a while. Those shows (American Hot Rod, Overhaulin, etc.) also rely on the fake deadlines as the "antagonist," or one of them anyway, and that also wears thin.

That said, now I only watch new episodes and wait until they are on Discovery HD. I still enjoy the actual building of motorcycles (or Hot Rods) so I still enjoy the show overall.

Mr. Soze

07-08-2005, 10:20 PM

I used to like it but it got old for me too.
Bike is behind schedule. Sr. yells at Paulie. Lots of goofing around with their
new expensive (sell-out) toys. Yawn.

It really makes me miss Indian Larry.

SR2

07-09-2005, 06:05 AM

Lots of goofing around with their
new expensive (sell-out) toys.

Let's see -- small-time bike shop gets a show, makes it big, gets paid for its business, so that makes them "sell outs"?

Yes, that makes sense.

99% of the time "sell out" = financial success.

jones07

07-09-2005, 07:21 AM

This show is so old...................Time to move on

American Chopper in HD..................Oh Please :o

Satchel

07-10-2005, 02:09 AM

The thing that's changed is they stopped making arbitrary deadlines so Paul Sr. would have something to yell about...

SR2

07-10-2005, 07:58 AM

The thing that's changed is they stopped making arbitrary deadlines so Paul Sr. would have something to yell about...

Deadlines are still there, maybe less emphasized on a couple projects. That is the common theme on all these shows to create much of the tension.

A major issue is that they have now gone to "Best of" compilations and specials like the "Mikey as Himself" I just saw on the guide. I have no use for these but it was inevitable.

I think the shelf life of Chopper and Hot Rod, and similar shows, is quickly expiring. Shows like that were definitely a great idea but there is really nowhere to go after 3-4 years.

SeanC

07-10-2005, 08:11 AM

I've been watching for 2 years now, I still find Sr. raging away to be hysterical.

When it stops being funny, I'll stop watching.

Rkkeller

07-11-2005, 02:01 PM

I watch the show but only in HD and still enjoy it. It does get old at times but I like to watch the bikes come together and some of their great designs.

Rich

KRS

07-11-2005, 02:08 PM

Lee L

07-11-2005, 02:10 PM

Well, a redneck with money is still a redneck. ;) I know a few rednecks so it's okay. ;) ;)

jsmeeker

07-11-2005, 02:16 PM

I still watch, but I think the show took a major turn for the worse when they moved out of the old location. The "jump the shark" moment for me was when Sr. smashed up the shop with his Ford Excursion, destroying it in the process. They also ruined a new leather couch by throwing it through a window - you could tell that Rick and Vinnie were a little disgusted as well. I don't think they "sold out" - more like they got too much money to really care.

IIRC, they have always been smashing up stuff just for the heck of it. Nothing really new.

I'm happy the show has brought them success. I'm not a big motorcylce guy, but I find the bikes built by other builders on the other bike build shows to be much, much cooler than the "stick some stuff on a stock frame" theme bikes they build. Sure, some of them turn out pretty cool, but it's still usually about sticking stuff onto a more or less "standard" bike than it is coming up with a really interesting design.

KRS

07-11-2005, 02:27 PM

IIRC, they have always been smashing up stuff just for the heck of it. Nothing really new.

They do like smashing things, true, but to total a $40,000+ SUV just for fun seems absurd. Before that, the biggest thing they wrecked (that I can recall) was Mikey's old POS car.

jsmeeker

07-11-2005, 02:41 PM

They do like smashing things, true, but to total a $40,000+ SUV just for fun seems absurd. Before that, the biggest thing they wrecked (that I can recall) was Mikey's old POS car.

he did dumb crap with his SUV before. There was a time when the bumper got banged up. So, he hooked a chain to it, hooked the other end to another car, and ripped it off.

SparkleMotion

07-11-2005, 03:00 PM

Let's see -- small-time bike shop gets a show, makes it big, gets paid for its business, so that makes them "sell outs"?No...THIS makes them sell-outs:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002B90SU.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Too much of a good thing. Used to look forward to it...now I delete them to open up TiVo space. :(

SR2

07-11-2005, 04:09 PM

DaveyG

07-11-2005, 04:51 PM

I'm happy the show has brought them success. I'm not a big motorcylce guy, but I find the bikes built by other builders on the other bike build shows to be much, much cooler than the "stick some stuff on a stock frame" theme bikes they build. Sure, some of them turn out pretty cool, but it's still usually about sticking stuff onto a more or less "standard" bike than it is coming up with a really interesting design.

Yeah, the bikes on Biker Buildoff are much more innovative. This show is fun, but the bike on Buildoff are just awesome. Definitely check that show out SoBelle. It was a series of specials in the beginning, but they made a longer series of them this year.

SoBelle0

07-12-2005, 10:47 PM

No...THIS makes them sell-outs:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002B90SU.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Too much of a good thing. Used to look forward to it...now I delete them to open up TiVo space. :(
No way... they've got a game! Now, that's really funny. :D

But, I must say - I'm still enjoying the show. 1) Paulie's HOT - 2) Mikey's hysterical - 3) Vance is as cool as a cuke - and 4) Sr's a mess... and who doesn't love a mess.

Mostly catching repeats, but, I'll keep watching until their humour wears sour for me. But, for now - I'm enjoying these guys immensely .

Frank_M

07-13-2005, 08:25 AM

I only watch it in HD now, but I do still find it funny/interesting. The incident with the shock pen is funny no matter how many times you've seen it.

I'd be interested in having a camera follow junior when he "disappears" for a few hours at a time. Might be a whole new show! :-)

KRS

07-13-2005, 08:42 AM

he did dumb crap with his SUV before. There was a time when the bumper got banged up. So, he hooked a chain to it, hooked the other end to another car, and ripped it off.

Oh yeah, I had forgotten about that one, but didn't that start out with an accidental fender bender. Still, the intentional demolition of the old shop with his SUV was too much for me and was my personal shark moment. I still watch all the new episodes though. :)

The fact that they have a PS2 game is no reason to call them sellouts.

The fact that their PS2 game is a steaming pile of doo-doo shows they either don't care or they don't have control over the license (more likely).

SparkleMotion

07-13-2005, 09:18 AM

The fact that they have a PS2 game is no reason to call them sellouts.

The fact that their PS2 game is a steaming pile of doo-doo shows they either don't care or they don't have control over the license (more likely).Oh yeah, accepting money to put your face on a CRAPPY video game isn't selling out. Sure. :rolleyes:

SR2

07-13-2005, 09:27 AM

Oh yeah, accepting money to put your face on a CRAPPY video game isn't selling out. Sure. :rolleyes:

I have yet to see an actual reason that them making money from endorsements or marketing is "selling out." It seems no one can even come up with a definition. It is just one more meaningless phrase that people can't seem to define.

SparkleMotion

07-13-2005, 09:29 AM

Your blindness is sad.

SR2

07-13-2005, 09:34 AM

Your blindness is sad.

In other words, it is a meaningless phrase that you can't define, thrown around because you see something that you either don't like or can't have. Surprise!

Gee, I guess every athlete, actor, golfer, etc., who make money are "sell outs." Add to that list everyone else who makes money from something you have decided, in whatever strange process, is wrong.

Oh yes... I am the ony who is blind! Hilarious! Tap me on the shoulder when you can explain what you type. Unless, of course, you think doing that makes you a sell out.

KRS

07-13-2005, 10:09 AM

Your blindness is sad.

No need to get snarky.

If they have no control over what Discovery does with the license, then I wouldn't consider it a "sellout." Perhaps they signed a bad contract early on when they didn't expect the show to be a hit. Do you know all the details of how the game was developed?

And I agree with SR2 that the term is often used without rhyme or reason. All businesses start out small, and when they reach a certain critical mass, people arbitrarily decide not to like them anymore. Haven't you seen the Wal*Mart episode of South Park? :)

You hear the term a lot when it comes to music. While sometimes I think the term does apply (Black Eyed Peas, Metallica), I think that "sellout" is often used out of jealousy (Audioslave, White Stripes). Moving on to the next level and getting paid does not necessarily mean "sellout."

5thcrewman

07-13-2005, 05:20 PM

"Shut it!"

sushikitten

07-14-2005, 07:59 AM

I've been watching for 2 years now, I still find Sr. raging away to be hysterical.

This is exactly why I can't stand watching! My hubby likes this show but knows he can't watch it if I'm in the room.

tase2

12-16-2005, 02:18 PM

Couldn't believe there wasn't already a thread about 'em. But, I just started watching this show during the repeats... and am noticing that the new shows don't have quite the same flavor. Did I miss something?
I can't believe it either SoBelle.
My wife and I have ben watching for 5 months or so, and we still love it. Of course they go a little overboard for the cameras, but the show is a lot of fun.

We don't know anything about motorcycles, so for us what they come up with is very impressive. I think Jr. is extremely talented at what he does.

We don't think it is fair that the supporting cast doesn't get the credit they deserve. Not just Vance & Ricker, but Nubby and the the behind the scene chrome & powdercoat guys.

We don't take the show real seriously, and it is a fun show that we bond and laugh over and enjoy very much.

jsmeeker

12-16-2005, 02:26 PM

Mikey Rules!!

Lee L

12-16-2005, 02:53 PM

We don't think it is fair that the supporting cast doesn't get the credit they deserve. Not just Vance & Ricker, but Nubby and the the behind the scene chrome & powdercoat guys.

I have always thought that the painters make some of these bikes. Even Justin, who they used for a while just put some incredible stuff out.

SullyND

12-16-2005, 03:02 PM

Sadly American Chopper was one of my SPs that I deleted recently... It's just not what it once was...

tase2

12-16-2005, 03:20 PM

I understand that. But we still enjoy the heck out of it. I have it on reg disc & hd disc SP. They through in some old ones every now & then. It is interesting to see how much things have changed.

Lee L

12-16-2005, 03:28 PM

I just wish they would run the HD episodes somewhat close to the airing of the standard ones. We usually watch them in low def becasue we don;t want to wait.

SullyND

12-16-2005, 04:38 PM

I understand that. But we still enjoy the heck out of it. I have it on reg disc & hd disc SP. They through in some old ones every now & then. It is interesting to see how much things have changed.

Well if you just started watching 5 months ago you have plenty of catching up to do before it gets old... It was a great show...

and Mikey rulez...

darthrsg

12-16-2005, 07:53 PM

i just got HD a few months back, i know nothing of motorcycles and i like this show. rick petco rules.

BeanMeScot

12-16-2005, 09:24 PM

I always thought it was rather fun to see how their lives have changed because of the show. Someone REALLY knows how to market them and their bikes. Either they are really pretty smart or they know enough to hire smart people (probably the latter although if we go with the former, Sr would be the brains behind the operation. He knows how to create a successful business.)

Each year their toys get bigger and better. They used to have old SUVs. Now they have new Hummers and sports cars. They used to create the bike pieces by hand. Now they have tools like the FlowJet and the machine that carves out the wheels. You usually don't get to see this kind of thing happen. I still watch the show.

MasterOfPuppets

12-16-2005, 09:46 PM

Mikey's great...I still like the show, just don't watch it as much as I used to...
I hate it when people just throw around the term "selling out" with absolutely no understanding about what that means..."selling out" means going against your morals, stabbing people in the back, just for the sake of making a few extra bucks...
"Selling out" does not refer to simply making a buttload of money, or becoming famous...I've never, ya know, sat down and poured a bunch of research into the history of OCC...but I'm guessing that the Teutel's put a lot of hard work into building that business into what it is today...OCC still builds innovative bikes and still cares about their product, and from what I can tell, they act on the show now the same as they always have, despite the more expensive toys and real estate...

LoadStar

12-16-2005, 10:01 PM

BTW - isn't it Vince, not Vance?

vertigo235

12-16-2005, 10:12 PM

The design they were talking about for the new "shop" was insane. They are building one from scratch now, and it's going to be FUGE. Just ridiculous.

BlackBetty

12-16-2005, 10:44 PM

This made them sell outs!

http://cdn.efashionnetwork.com/sites/orangecountychoppers.com/product_images/OC-181065000-034_ex.jpg

tase2

12-16-2005, 10:52 PM

BTW - isn't it Vince, not Vance?
His name is Vince or Vinnie, but Paul Jr. refers to him as Vance quite frequently.

jsmeeker

12-16-2005, 10:54 PM

BTW - isn't it Vince, not Vance?

I think "Vance" is just an "alternate" pronunciation of Vince.

colemanr

12-16-2005, 11:17 PM

Actually, I could have sworn that somebody inadvertenty called him "Vince" on the show and he corrected them. I can't find a real cast list, but all of the links that I can find call him "Vance."

Rob

jsmeeker

12-16-2005, 11:26 PM

hmmm.. but they usually call him Vinnie, don't they? Vinnie == Vince?

tase2

12-16-2005, 11:27 PM

His full name is Vincent.

http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/occweb_ver2_biopage_vinnie.php

canonelan2

12-17-2005, 12:08 AM

BTW - isn't it Vince, not Vance?

Yeah... that's something I've always wondered.... his name is Vincent... and most of the time they call him Vinny... so why every once and a while does Paul Jr. call him Vance??

BTW, if you love the show hopefully you didn't miss out on the great deal Deep Discount DVD had... 2 weeks ago I picked up Seasons 1 & 2 for only $13 and change! B1G1F

canonelan2

12-17-2005, 12:26 AM

No...THIS makes them sell-outs:

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002B90SU.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Too much of a good thing. Used to look forward to it...now I delete them to open up TiVo space. :(

If this makes them a "Sell out" what does THIS make them?

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0008GJRR8.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

DLL66

12-17-2005, 01:57 AM

This show is still funny......"You know what I mean?"

Hansky

12-17-2005, 06:51 AM

If this makes them a "Sell out" what does THIS make them?

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0008GJRR8.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Actually, all of that makes them more money. The use of the term "sell out" in most cases in which it is used has just become a meaningless joke.

Lee L

12-17-2005, 09:30 AM

They should get it while they can. Eventually, the show will die out and all they will have is the Chopper business to fall back on. Of course with all this publicity, should be a nice soft landing.

cthomp

12-17-2005, 10:06 AM

Hansky

12-17-2005, 10:14 AM

Makes you wonder what they are going to destroy when they move to the new building. Anyone know when the new building is supposed to be ready?

They moved into the new building (with all modern equipment) many shows and many months ago.

jking

12-17-2005, 11:00 AM

They moved into the new building (with all modern equipment) many shows and many months ago.

Actually, according to the behind the scenes episode a few weeks back, they're building a new, new building that supposedly will eclipse the one they're in now. I think the one they're in now is an old warehouse or factory or something that was already built that they bought. I think they're now actually having a 3 story monster of a building constructed which will include the offices, showroom, gift store, bike building area, museum, runway, day care center, lunch room, bar/lounge, etc. :D

I joke of course. From the looks of the picture, it does seem to be pretty lavish, but I don't see anything wrong with it. It's no more overkill than any of the Arlon Ness buildings I have seen on the Biker Build Offs on the Discovery Channel.

Hansky

12-17-2005, 12:16 PM

Actually, according to the behind the scenes episode a few weeks back, they're building a new, new building that supposedly will eclipse the one they're in now. I think the one they're in now is an old warehouse or factory or something that was already built that they bought. I think they're now actually having a 3 story monster of a building constructed which will include the offices, showroom, gift store, bike building area, museum, runway, day care center, lunch room, bar/lounge, etc. :D

I joke of course. From the looks of the picture, it does seem to be pretty lavish, but I don't see anything wrong with it. It's no more overkill than any of the Arlon Ness buildings I have seen on the Biker Build Offs on the Discovery Channel.

That is about one move for every 1.3 seasons, so that'll be their 4th location since the show started.

I have read several things over the years about how opinions vary as to the craftsmanship and quality of their work.

They no doubt get a lot of equipment free, but at what point do they overpunt their coverage and end up with a lot of things they can't sustain a couple years after the show is over.

tase2

12-17-2005, 12:57 PM

That is about one move for every 1.3 seasons, so that'll be their 4th location since the show started.

I have read several things over the years about how opinions vary as to the craftsmanship and quality of their work.

They no doubt get a lot of equipment free, but at what point do they overpunt their coverage and end up with a lot of things they can't sustain a couple years after the show is over.
Is there anyone here that would not want an OCC bike?

I suspect not.

Hansky

12-17-2005, 01:13 PM

Is there anyone here that would not want an OCC bike?

I suspect not.

And? They sell bikes. Anyone here can head up to NY and pick one up. Otherwise, I fail to see your point unless it is that most people would take an expensive product if they are given away.

tase2

12-17-2005, 01:51 PM

And? They sell bikes. Anyone here can head up to NY and pick one up. Otherwise, I fail to see your point unless it is that most people would take an expensive product if they are given away.
My point was that I doubt any critiques of OCC bikes would be disappointed if they had an opportunity to own one. Ownership by any means-purchase, gift, or otherwise.

Ah never mind.

Hansky

12-17-2005, 02:31 PM

My point was that I doubt any critiques of OCC bikes would be disappointed if they had an opportunity to own one. Ownership by any means-purchase, gift, or otherwise.

Ah never mind.

I am talking about knowledgeable people who discuss the quality of the final product. I suspect those people would be more interested in the quality of the bike, and would be less likely pay the premium for the fame factor.

You are discussing, at least in part, the gimmick/TV factor. That is what is most likely to go first.

The people who fork out $70-150,000 for a bike just because it is OCC will quickly move to the next big thing.

tase2

12-17-2005, 03:42 PM

Like I said before, I know nothing about motorcycles. So you are probably correct. I certainly don't need to defend the OCC people. I'm back to just watching and enjoying the show. :)

5thcrewman

12-17-2005, 06:03 PM

Which episode did they build the bike that they jumped the shark with? :p

DLL66

12-17-2005, 10:16 PM

Speaking of quality. I know a few people who have choppers that are built by different companies. Bottom line is that if you own a chopper, you'll be wrenching on it!

cthomp

12-18-2005, 08:25 PM

Actually, according to the behind the scenes episode a few weeks back, they're building a new, new building that supposedly will eclipse the one they're in now. I think the one they're in now is an old warehouse or factory or something that was already built that they bought. I think they're now actually having a 3 story monster of a building constructed which will include the offices, showroom, gift store, bike building area, museum, runway, day care center, lunch room, bar/lounge, etc. :D

I joke of course. From the looks of the picture, it does seem to be pretty lavish, but I don't see anything wrong with it. It's no more overkill than any of the Arlon Ness buildings I have seen on the Biker Build Offs on the Discovery Channel.

That was what I was talking about. The episode will re-air on the 26th at 10PM

tase2

01-14-2006, 05:49 PM

It really gripes my a$$ that this thread has died. :D :D

billboard_NE

01-14-2006, 09:49 PM

Keep the thread alive.... I was shopping for a coffee maker on the web and came across OCC coffee???

http://www.wholelattelove.com/OrangeCountyChoppers/occpackets.cfm

malutchen

03-08-2006, 12:05 PM

LETS GET THIS THREAD BACK UP AND RUNNING!!! HELLO!?? ITS BEEN ALMOST 2 MONTHS!!

So what did everyone think of the fantacy bike episodes? I agree with the other longer viewers it was getting old but the fantacy bikes made me come back.

As far as the selling out goes....its pretty subjective to who thinks they sold out...I dont nessesarly think they sold out however, when Sr. got rid of the average looking girlfriend he had in the first few seasons then all of a sudden he has this hot, model looking fiance??? hmm... and Jr's Pam Anderson looking girlfriend?? LOL I guess with hardwork and talent and little luck comes success,wealth and hot a$$ LOL. At the same time if you look at someone like Jesse James, some say he sold out too dating hollywood starlets like Sandra Bullock among others, I dont think he sold out nessesarly either.

That brings me to my next point... I saw an epsiode a while back where I beleive it was Jesse James' show (Monster Garage) but could of been American Chopper I forgot...but the OCC guys where at a bike rally (Im pretty sure it was sturgess) and Jesse met Paul Sr and Jr and shook hands and said they admire eachother. Can anyone tell me if they have/had a relationship or have met before or since? Cause I think it would be cool of the guys at Discovery would do a EAST MEETS WEST: OCC MEETS WESTCOAST CHOPPERS. That would be sweet.

Im a tinner (sheet metal fabercator) with a sheet metal union here in minnesota and whether the OCC guys or Jesse are sell outs or not, thats all hearsay and opinion but I gota say from a proffessional view Rick, Vinnie, and Paul Jr from OCC and Jesse James and the guys he selects to work with have a lot of fab./assemb. talent with metal and welding, THATS A FACT no one can deny or argue

Figaro

03-08-2006, 01:26 PM

Whatever happened to that tool Keith. Remember the cousin who was brought in to be the manager? He just disappeared.

KRS

03-08-2006, 01:30 PM

I liked the fantasy bike shows. It was nice to see them building a normal bike for a change, not one designed to look like a razor, backhoe, shoe, space shuttle, snap on tool, statue of liberty, christmas sled, Will Smith, or whatever! :)

BTW, if you love the show hopefully you didn't miss out on the great deal Deep Discount DVD had... 2 weeks ago I picked up Seasons 1 & 2 for only $13 and change! B1G1F

Are they the 8 disc sets of each season? If so, that's a great price. They also released cheaper bare bones 3 disc season sets.

IJustLikeTivo

03-08-2006, 01:40 PM

I think the really old school Indian style bike they just did was pretty nice. I think the handle bars were too low for comfort but otherwise the bike looked pretty nice.

I think the show has lost a bit of the edge but it is still worth watching. I do think there is a bit too much of seeing how the Tuttle empire is growing but in reality that growth and success is part of the show.