There was one guarantee upon attending Miller’s Welding University–the three grand-prize winning farmers and I were going to take home valuable welding tips and tricks. However, it was a pleasant surprise that as soon as we walked in the front entrance of the company’s headquarters in Appleton, Wisc., we were greeted with their 75th anniversary custom chopper designed and built by the Teutuls (Paul Sr. and Paul Jr.) of Orange County Choppers. This is the father-son team most recognized for their Discover Channel cable TV show, American Chopper.
The motorcycle was built in 2004. The Miller products used in the fabrication include two Millermatic 251 all-in-one MIG welders, two Dynasty 200 DX AC/DC, TIG/Stick inverters, a Spectrum 375 plasma cutter and several Big Window Elite auto-darkening welding helmets in the patriotic stars and stripes design. The bike features a Miller Big Window Elite helmet morphing out of the gas tank, a Diamondback TIG torch mounted in the frame, a Roughneck MIG gun that forms a mirror and a tow-behind XMT 304 multiprocess inverter ready to go to work.
Upon completion, the bike was delivered to Appleton, where it was received by thousands of Miller employees and their families for the unveiling.
And here’s an overview of its features:
Fabricators: OCC
Build Time: 3 Weeks
Weight: 700 lb.
Engine: 145 Horse Power; 131 cubic inches H&L
Total Length: 14’ with Trailer
Case, Ply Wheel, Rods, Pistons, Cylinders: S&S
Hedge Cam Carburetor: Davinci
Ignition: Crane Hi-4
Pipes, Bars, Riser, Headlight, Front and rear fenders, fender structure: OCC
Clutch: Barnett
Primary Drive: HiTech
Rake: 50 Degrees
Stretch: 6” out
Swing Arm: Rigid
Forks and Triple Tree: Pierce
Wheels: Hallcraft
Tires: Metzeler
Brakes: HHI
Pegs and Foot Control: Accutronix
Handle Controls: OMP
Taillight: Maltese Cross
Fuel Tank: Modified Pat Kennedy
Oil Tank: Spun
Painting, Molding: JB Graphix (Justin)
Colors: Red, White, Blue
Graphics: Miller Electric
Chrome Plating & Polish: Chrome Master
Click here for 360 degree tour.
See photo gallery of the bike build.
And you can view excerpts from the Miller Episode of American Chopper here.
In 2010, Paul Jr. opened a motorcycle shop. And TLC commissioned a 7th season titled American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior which features both OCC and Paul Jr. Designs.
