Things Die-Hard Fans Don’t Know About American Chopper

While it was on the air, before the blow ups that eventually led to Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. parting ways, American Chopper was one of the most popular reality shows of all time. Ironically enough, though, the show nearly took a very different direction. American Chopper creator Craig Piligian had a completely different bike shop on board to be featured by the show, when he got a bad vibe and decided to change course just days before filming was set to start.

The show quickly took on a life of it’s own, not as a bike build show, but as a look inside the dynamics of a small family-run business and how working together can take a toll on every aspect of the family member’s lives. While the show ran for 10 years, the run ultimately came to an end when the two stars had an intense exchange of words that led to Paul Teutul Jr leaving Orange County Choppers and starting his own shop.

Since the run ended, there has been quite a bit of drama for the Teutul family, most notably Paul Sr., who has had quite a bit of legal drama after several failed attempts at other business ventures. From failed attempts to return to television to a misguided attempt to start a chain of restaurants, the elder Teutul has been plagued by problems left and right.

Meanwhile, Paul Jr has sought a quieter life, dedicating his life to a more Christian mindset and quietly opening his own shop, Paul Junior Designs. He and his wife have found their calling in the public speaking arena, traveling around the country speaking at churches and other venues. Paul Jr. has an upcoming book that will focus on his life before, during and after the show and how he’s came to live the life he’s currently living.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drSgyx4NXHw