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Seen American Chopper lately?

eschoendorff

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Apparently, the highest bidder is now Craftsman. This is probably old news, but they are working out of Craftsman Professional boxes and putting bikes together with Craftsman Professional tools - mostly. I have to giggle a little bit when they are swinging raised-panel Craftsman ratchets on national TV.

... and yet somehow the bikes still get built. Go figure. :lol:
 
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chad s

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Apparently, the highest bidder is now Craftsman. This is probably old news, but they are working out of Craftsman Professional boxes and putting bikes together with Craftsman Professional tools - mostly. I have to giggle a little bit when they are swinging raised-panel Craftsman ratchets on national TV.

... and yet somehow the bikes still get built. Go figure. :lol:

Didnt they build a Snap On bike once?

I guess this season they will be building a Craftsman bike.

They should leave some tool adornments missing to represent the items not in stock at your local sears.
 

Fedwrench

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Yeah, they built a Craftsman bike. Think about all of the tools and boxes they have collected from the Snap on bike, the Napa bike, the Miller electric, .....
It would be nice to have some of the freebies.
 

boiler7904

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It's the same show it always was:

Paul Jr. doing as he pleases.
Paul Sr. yelling at Paul Jr.
Some sort of damage to the office door.
Mikey acting like a goofball.

Basically, It's a soap opera based in a bike shop.

The biggest difference is that Vinny's gone so they're short handed and looking for people - at least in the episode I watched tonight.

They did a Craftsman bike a couple of weeks ago. The Snap-On bike was more detailed. You could tell that more thought went into it. They've gotten too big too fast and can't keep up with the damand so things are being simplified. The Tuetel's basically admitted to that in tonight's show.
 

Uncle Buck

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**** like that never has appealed to me, I can't take more than about 10 minutes of that stupidity, or any of the reality stuff for that matter! It matters not who is on it or what they are showing to me. Every last one, lame, lame, lame! All those bike clowns ever seem to be doing is standing around bitchin at each other and wringing their hands waiting for their whatcha ma jiggit to arrive via UPS so they can bolt it on the bike.........oh yea god forbid we must always have the reality show deadline for the slack jawed knuckle dragging masses! Those cats are not real fab guys, they assemble the parts that the real fab guys create! (BTW I am not laying claim to being an expert fab guy either, but I know those guys are not!)
 
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dxdexter

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I use to watch that show religiously when it first came on the air, but haven't watched it since last year.

It is just like any other show, with regard to product placement. They will sell their souls to the company with the most money. Just like Foose or Jesse James, pushing MAC Tools.

They probably only use Craftsman tools when the camera rolls.
 

Deafautotech

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It's the same show it always was:

Paul Jr. doing as he pleases.
Paul Sr. yelling at Paul Jr.
Some sort of damage to the office door.
Mikey acting like a goofball.

Basically, It's a soap opera based in a bike shop.

The biggest difference is that Vinny's gone so they're short handed and looking for people - at least in the episode I watched tonight.

They did a Craftsman bike a couple of weeks ago. The Snap-On bike was more detailed. You could tell that more thought went into it. They've gotten too big too fast and can't keep up with the damand so things are being simplified. The Tuetel's basically admitted to that in tonight's show.



What??? Vinny are gone? find other job or ????????:wtf::shocking::wtf:
 

krusty the clown

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the last time i watched the show they were trying to beat a primary drive on with a hammer. seems they had the wrong offset ****** plate on the bike. no sense wathing people whp do stupid stuff like that.
 

Kevin54

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Yes, both Vinney and Cody have left the show and started a rival bike shop called V Force Customs. I'm not sure what transpired to force the move.

Vinney and Cody probably got tired of the arrogance that everyone else was showing. Vinney, Cody, and the other guy that started getting some airtime ended up doing everything while Paul Jr. throwed his little tantrums. It seemed like Jr. started bossing Vinney a little more instead of working with him. At least that was the conclusion that I drew. But I'm like Hholmberg...when it comes on, I turn it off. Did the same with Boyd Coddington. The made for TV B.S. just gets old after awhile, week after week. When American Chopper first came out, it was kind of good to watch and was funny at times, but now after a few years of doing the same thing it is just not funny or enjoyable to watch. They look more like idiots than craftsmen. I bet that Vinney would be a way better boss to work for than the Teutals anyday. http://www.vforcecustoms.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
http://designbyjoyce.com/vinnie/links.html
 
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The Alchemist

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I understand that drama sells and supposedly makes for better shows, but why can't they just focus on the building of the bike/cars whatever and leave the drama out of it. I know I already answered my question, because then it would only appeal to a select market place, and the drama is what non-technical people tune in to see.
 
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eschoendorff

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Just for the record... this was the first time in about 2 years taht I watched the whole show beginning to end. There was literally nothing else on. So, I trashed an hour.
 

dxdexter

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Just for the record... this was the first time in about 2 years taht I watched the whole show beginning to end. There was literally nothing else on. So, I trashed an hour.

I wasn't aware someone was keeping records: Now that I know, I watched 10 minutes the other night, but haven't watched since last season.:thumbup:
 

64merc

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Yeah, I still watch it occasionally when nothing else is on, but not like I used to. Their bikes have definitely become more simplified and the focus has become more and more about the drama and crazy antics. Vinny seemed like more of a keep your mouth shut and work kind of a guy, so I guess he got tired of it all.
 
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Rickster

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I think they have to add the drama to hook in the non technical people like The Alke said above. I've always enjoyed the shows for what they were, a little bike building and a little personality. When they fist started out you could see the struggle Paul Sr had with trying to instill this work ethic that had gotten himself from nothing to prosperity into his kids. Now he seems to have made peace with it and is just goig through the motions for the camera. Do I think the show has "jumped the shark", hell yea, do I still watch, yea I do. I read where it was theorized that Vinney left due to being a part of the TV show and not being compensated fairly for it. Now that's a show I'd like to watch, Vinney & Cody going through all the start up problems of their new business.
 

Jaralaccs

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I thought it was pretty funny that craftsman actually rejected the first 3 designs for the bike

and I would hate to have to replace all my tools with crapsman junk, as they had to.
 

vjquan

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I guess this season they will be building a Craftsman bike.
From the episode guide:

http://turbo.discovery.com/american-chopper/episode/episode.html

Ep 7: Craftsman/DieHard 1
OCC charges up their latest double build: Sr.'s custom creation for Craftsman Tools, and Jr.'s two-wheeled showpiece for DieHard Batteries. The guys travel to South Africa, where they immerse themselves in the local bike culture ... and head to the bush, to make some new friends. But back at the shop, Craftsman drops the hammer and sends Sr. and Pohl back to the drawing board.

Ep 8: Craftsman/DieHard 2
OCC continues on their latest double build -- custom bikes for Craftsman Tools and DieHard Batteries. After a jam session with rock 'n' roll legend Chubby Checker gets OCC doing the twist, both teams race into assembly and the Sr.-Jr. rivalry heats up. But as Team Craftsman is delayed, Team DieHard pulls ahead and Mikey moves forward with his latest project, recruiting Sr. to lend a hand. Once Mikey's unusual creation passes its test, Sr. and his team must rally to get their Craftsman project done.
 

NOMAD

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I watched it when it first came out and they were all a little more humble and honest and did more fabbing of the bikes.

The show i did watch was the show where the average wrench slinger got a chance to build his own bike from the floor up. But the director of the show was an ego-maniac who loved to get on camera and ruin the show. They recruited too many idiots and not enough bikes were ever completed.
 
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crazeesal

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does anybody get the speed channel whenever theres nothing better i watch pinks its a drag racing show were most of the time they race for "pinks" theres drama but its cool to watch people race cars they built themselves, i guess id be full of drama if my car was on the line.:3gears:
 

mikeatrpi

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I still watch chopper and have enjoyed the show since the beginning. Sure I wish they'd focus more on the building and less on the arguments, but honestly they don't fight as much as they used to in the early shows. The company's growth outpaced its capabilities, and now they're playing catch up.

Nevermind all that, imagine how many people they've inspired to pick up a tool and do something?
 

PAToyota

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Nevermind all that, imagine how many people they've inspired to pick up a tool and do something?

One of the things that does bother me about such shows is the lack of regard towards safety - welding is one of the things in particular. I personally know of three younger guys (I'll refrain from saying "kids" :p ) that ended up being treated for arc blindness (one seriously enough to have his eyes taped for three days) and a number more treated for some fairly serious "sunburn" due to not wearing helmets or protective gloves/clothing while welding - "doing it like they see on TV - closing your eyes and wearing t-shirts and jeans."

It may not seem like such a big deal when you're younger, but you reach that age when you start paying for the foolish things you did when you were younger... Then you start understanding why your parents and those senior to you were on your back about such things twenty years ago...

I'll watch some of the shows every now and then, but usually end up being a bit bored with them. TV wants to see the drama - not as much the technical knowledge it seems.
 
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Stanger

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I admit I still watch Choppers but I complain through the whole show. Staged arguments and pointless trips fill the show. I would much rather watch an hour of Rick building a tank. I wish they would show the details of his metalwork. I am sure I would learn a ton. Also, the plugs for the different customers are getting really annoying.
 
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eschoendorff

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One of the things that does bother me about such shows is the lack of regard towards safety - welding is one of the things in particular. I personally know of three younger guys (I'll refrain from saying "kids" :p ) that ended up being treated for arc blindness (one seriously enough to have his eyes taped for three days) and a number more treated for some fairly serious "sunburn" due to not wearing helmets or protective gloves/clothing while welding - "doing it like they see on TV - closing your eyes and wearing t-shirts and jeans."

It may not seem like such a big deal when you're younger, but you reach that age when you start paying for the foolish things you did when you were younger... Then you start understanding why your parents and those senior to you were on your back about such things twenty years ago...

Roger that. I takes me twice as long to set up and suit up to do some welding than it does to actually make the welds! But I can still see, and that's pretty convenient.


Wilbilt -

I don't have cable either. I have Dish 500, phone service and DSL through AT&T. I think it's a pretty cool deal (for us anyway) and that way I can still watch the Discovery and History Channels. If you are considering going that route, lemme know. Our package only costs about $117/month for everything.
 

wilbilt

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Wilbilt -

I don't have cable either. I have Dish 500, phone service and DSL through AT&T. I think it's a pretty cool deal (for us anyway) and that way I can still watch the Discovery and History Channels. If you are considering going that route, lemme know. Our package only costs about $117/month for everything.

I have been thinking about it. I used to have Dish about 8-9 years ago when I was installing the systems for a local dealer. I got fed up with the repetitive programming and the fact they would not give me the local channels I wanted, so I canceled.

Now that ATT DSL is finally available here, I could add the TV package for about the same price I am paying now for DSL+phone. I have 6Mb DSL and unlimited long distance (EVERYWHERE is long distance from here) for $99/mo.

The wife is pressuring me to do it, so it will probably happen. I do miss the History Channel and some of the Discovery Channel shows.

Now that my two oldest kids have moved out, our TV is hardly ever on. I don't even remember the last time I watched it.
 

Sack

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The bike they built for snap-on probably fell apart so snap-on dropped them or something. I wish harbor freight would sponsor them so then they'd have a real challenge lol. Guess they'd build an orange bike out of chinese steel with no brakes and painted with lead paint.
 

dxdexter

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The bike they built for snap-on probably fell apart so snap-on dropped them or something. .

I heard it had a lifetime warranty, but OCC said Snap-on had used an impact gun on it so it was not covered.:)
 

krusty the clown

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iirc there was a lawsuit between occ and snap on over that bike. i even remeber them trash talking a snap on cordless drill because of it.
 

Rickster

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A Harbor Freight bike would rock... They could use the zip ties to hold the wires on and make the handlebars from some of those plastic handled wrenches....
 

mikeatrpi

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Well, yes you're right on the safety thing. It seems the guys behind the scenes wear the correct gear. Its just those hollywood stars who neglect to.
 

Jononon

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iirc there was a lawsuit between occ and snap on over that bike. i even remeber them trash talking a snap on cordless drill because of it.

The 'Orange County Choppers Snap-on Tool Bike', that they used to sell on the toys/collectibles/random tat aisle in ASDA Walmart, is now the 'Orange County Choppers Tool Bike', so I suspect they fell out over marketing.
 

ovilla

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I remember reading an article in which one of Jesse James crew (from his actual shop - not Monster Garage folks) had called the Tuttles a bunch of cake dressers saying that they just welded pieces of steel **** all over to make the bike look better. The one thing I do like about the bikes that Jesse builds is that they just seem to have that whole craftsman thing going on. I remember when he built Shaq's bike and actually went over and picked up a bunch of chromoly pipes to make the frame in his jig. The Tuttles do build some nice bikes but come on, I think a lot of folks here could bolt on CNC fabricated (or air jet) polished pieces just like they do. They always order the frame, forks, wheels, and even custom order the seat, and Nub does an awesome job with the paint. About the only thing they "fabricate" anymore are the handlebars. Everything else is someone else's work, which they get all of the credit for. Finally, I'm getting tired of the customer plugs too. The show's really turning into an infomercial. Okay, one last thing, who would really want to drive a hard tail bike that is that long? I think these are more show than go. They're always driving them at the end on really nice country roads. I'd like to see a test drive on real streets and over railroad tracks, just once.
 

goodfellow

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The whole bike building craze is pretty much over. Even Harley is cutting production, and the local dealers are selling bikes at a discount (seen HD's stock prices lately). Three years ago local dealers had a waiting list and wouldn't deal on anything, now they're ready to make any deal.

Die hard bike enthusiasts hated the "biker boom" and for the most part they're glad it's over. The only problem for the Teutel's is that they bet a HUGE amount fo money on a new facility that will go into production at the end of the bike craze. I'm not sure they can sustain that investment over the next few years. I wouldn't be surprised if they're already in trouble with that investment.
 

RichardNorman

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I remember reading an article in which one of Jesse James crew (from his actual shop - not Monster Garage folks) had called the Tuttles a bunch of cake dressers saying that they just welded pieces of steel **** all over to make the bike look better. The one thing I do like about the bikes that Jesse builds is that they just seem to have that whole craftsman thing going on. I remember when he built Shaq's bike and actually went over and picked up a bunch of chromoly pipes to make the frame in his jig. The Tuttles do build some nice bikes but come on, I think a lot of folks here could bolt on CNC fabricated (or air jet) polished pieces just like they do. They always order the frame, forks, wheels, and even custom order the seat, and Nub does an awesome job with the paint. About the only thing they "fabricate" anymore are the handlebars. Everything else is someone else's work, which they get all of the credit for. Finally, I'm getting tired of the customer plugs too. The show's really turning into an infomercial. Okay, one last thing, who would really want to drive a hard tail bike that is that long? I think these are more show than go. They're always driving them at the end on really nice country roads. I'd like to see a test drive on real streets and over railroad tracks, just once.

I agree the show has gotten even more silly than it started out being in the first place but I do have to admit I was inspired to pick up a welder after watching them the first season........maybe inspired isn't the word though.

I had rusted out rocker panels in my track car so I took it to a body shop for an estimate.......$600.00 not including paint. That same day I watched an episode of American Chopper and watched Paul Jr. "work".

Sitting there on my couch I realized I could weld and repair the panels myself if these idiots can do it.......I mean, they seemed just as goofy and retarded as I am so surely I could do it.

One Lincoln Electric MIG 135 and some sheet metal later, I had nice new rocker panels for less than the body shop estimate. I've done tons of body work and other welding since then and I owe it all to the Tuetells showing me that even idiots can be productive!!

I just caught an episode the other day after having not seen one in a few years I think. They were actually fabbing their own frames now on a jig so it seems they have evolved quite a bit from the days when they bought the frames.
 

unsung

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does anybody get the speed channel whenever theres nothing better i watch pinks its a drag racing show were most of the time they race for "pinks" theres drama but its cool to watch people race cars they built themselves, i guess id be full of drama if my car was on the line.:3gears:

I tried but it was just another show where some loudmouth thinks he is cool.
 

jay50

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I'm wait for them to start building the Harbor Freight bike in an upcoming show.
It will take two seasons of shows to build because of HF tools breaking and the need for replacements....LOL
 
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eschoendorff

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The only problem for the Teutel's is that they bet a HUGE amount fo money on a new facility that will go into production at the end of the bike craze. I'm not sure they can sustain that investment over the next few years. I wouldn't be surprised if they're already in trouble with that investment.

They'll be okay... they can always convert the facility nto a showroom when they start selling this stuff:

http://www.chinesemotorcycledealers.co.uk/
 
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