Transcript

American Chopper was one of the best motorcycle-construction reality shows on TV throughout it’s airing from 2003 to 2010.

The family cast, with its drama, funny moments, intense engineering and awesome rides was worth watching until it went off the air.

Now, after nearly 7 years, the famously feuding father-son team of Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. are back with the new season of the show.

Here are some behind the scenes secrets of ‘American Chopper’ that you may not have an idea about.

1. The Teutuls weren’t planned for the series:

According to American Chopper creator, Craig Piligian, he had initially centered the show on another bike shop in New Hampshire.

However, he decided to shoot with the Teutuls after two days. Piligian admitted that it became a relationship show more than a build show.

2. Addiction History:

Paul Teutul Sr., the owner of Orange County Choppers that was featured in the show, went through 15 years of substance addiction.

He ultimately checked into rehab at his wife’s advice despite his strong opposition to the idea. His both sons also suffered from addiction issues.

3. Horrific accident

Only a few months after Jr. rented space in Rock Tavern, New York for his shop, Paul Jr. Designs, a 26-year-old man fell through the roof and died on his shop’s floor.

Neither Jr. nor his crew members knew the man, but he had been contracted to repair the roof by the building’s owner.

4. Stolen Idea:

In 2010, the OCC crew teamed up with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to create a wheelchair accessible chopper so that people with disabilities could also ride.

But, they were later sued by a man named Christ Tavantzis claiming that he gave the OCC crew the idea when he met them at a trade show in 2008.

5. OCC sued by a former employee:

Cody Connelly, who used to be like a third son to Paul Sr., was gifted with an old-school chopper on-screen but he never received the gift in real.

After Cody left the show, he sued OCC claiming that the company continued to use his likeness. The case was settled out of court.

Transcript

American Chopper was one of the best motorcycle-construction reality shows on TV throughout it’s airing from 2003 to 2010.

The family cast, with its drama, funny moments, intense engineering and awesome rides was worth watching until it went off the air.

Now, after nearly 7 years, the famously feuding father-son team of Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. are back with the new season of the show.

Here are some behind the scenes secrets of ‘American Chopper’ that you may not have an idea about.

1. The Teutuls weren’t planned for the series:

According to American Chopper creator, Craig Piligian, he had initially centered the show on another bike shop in New Hampshire.

However, he decided to shoot with the Teutuls after two days. Piligian admitted that it became a relationship show more than a build show.

2. Addiction History:

Paul Teutul Sr., the owner of Orange County Choppers that was featured in the show, went through 15 years of substance addiction.

He ultimately checked into rehab at his wife’s advice despite his strong opposition to the idea. His both sons also suffered from addiction issues.

3. Horrific accident

Only a few months after Jr. rented space in Rock Tavern, New York for his shop, Paul Jr. Designs, a 26-year-old man fell through the roof and died on his shop’s floor.

Neither Jr. nor his crew members knew the man, but he had been contracted to repair the roof by the building’s owner.

4. Stolen Idea:

In 2010, the OCC crew teamed up with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to create a wheelchair accessible chopper so that people with disabilities could also ride.

But, they were later sued by a man named Christ Tavantzis claiming that he gave the OCC crew the idea when he met them at a trade show in 2008.

5. OCC sued by a former employee:

Cody Connelly, who used to be like a third son to Paul Sr., was gifted with an old-school chopper on-screen but he never received the gift in real.

After Cody left the show, he sued OCC claiming that the company continued to use his likeness. The case was settled out of court.