[quote]People quit jobs for one reason or another. It happens everyday.[/quote]

Not if they're happy working at that job. If Vinnie was happy working there, he wouldn't have got burnt out on the place.

It's a shame. Vinnie was the only real person besides Rick on that reality show. I suppose Cody is too but he was still going through those awkward growing pains on national TV. Christian and Nick were great too but they hardly got any air time.

I can't wait until they replace that replaceable OCC show and put on the new Vinnie, Rick and Cody chop shop show. I know those guys won't let the money turn their heads to lead the way it did Sr and Jr...

I totally agree. I think we need a Vinnie show.
The man Knows how to build a bike and I'm sure he can do a lot more.

So TLC here is an opportunity to put together a great show.. Starring VINNIE

American Chopper has now become another American Hot Rod and will be canned soon. Sr's comment was totally wrong. Vinnie leaving was a very smart decision. I don't see how he put up with it for as long as he did and still stay so cool headed. Him and Rick do (did) all the work while the pre-madonna prisses for the camera every once in a while and then leaves again and again and again....

Wow, it seemed like yesterday but i registered quite a while ago...havent posted in ages.

I like the rest of the people on here would like to say my farewell to vin. He was the man. Sr. probably didnt pay vin 1/10 as much as paulie yet vin did way more work. Vin got shafted at occ. Good thing you left vin.

The show has gone down hill since the 2nd season. My favorite episodes are still the original ones where sr and jr actually work. complaining about the dentist was classic. Stick a fork in american chopper cuz its done...over done. I compare this show to burnt toast. I wont go near it.

Good luck with the new business Vin, you the man.

[quote]I can't wait until they replace that replaceable OCC show and put on the new Vinnie, Rick and Cody chop shop show. I know those guys won't let the money turn their heads to lead the way it did Sr and Jr...[/quote]

The admin over at the fanclub just verified that Rick isn't quitting.

How could anyone but Rick know that? Unless he's under contract, he could walk in today and quit.

He is probably under contract. Plus I could see
Sr. fighting to keep him. Cause not everyone can do what he does with fabrication.

No, not everyone can but I'd be willing to bet that if they put the word out, there would be a looong line of applicants who could do the same kind of work.

Vinnie leaving actully was very sad to me.. I thank Sr was abit suprised at that point and may be why he said what he said.. And after watching Vinnie for the last few years, Im pretty sure he had planned on leaving way before he did, Meaning , Whatever shop he planned to open, maybe a possible discussion with tv execs, equipment, or whatever else he needed hes beens stacking and really was jus waiting for the right time...At this point Sr should look at him as sumone taking food of his plate..Regardless of what Vinnies has done for OCC..Theres no denying he helped build it, Now hes takin what he learned and moving on... If Vinnie had a show i would watch it cuz i like Vinnie, And i will keep watching OCC as well...
As for OCC getting cancled, doubtfull, Im sure before they starting building the newest shop they got Discovery to break down there plans for American Chopper... Not to mention if you check there veiw shares there stil doing good..

I'm pretty sure that none of Vinnies money went into building the OCC empire. Yes, blood, sweat and tears but cashola, neggatory..

I wasnt impyling that he put money into it.I was saying his presence and his personality helped build OCC. from a TV stand point, which in return helped make OCC a house hold name..I cant say that sumone else wouldnt have been able to do what he did, all im saying is he was the one JR an Sr picked..Both Vinnie an OCC benifited from Vinnie, However Vinnie got the most... OCC made Vinnie a topic for this discussion board..OCC made Vinnie lots of money...In return Vinnie worked hard and gave OCC a dependable and very talented worker..I can only hope that they all continue to get along...

To Vinny,
If you open your own Shop try to own it by yourself, or at least have 51 % ownership. I opened my own business 32 years ago with no partners (just the local bank for a credit line)it was the best move I ever made.The dream team would be: Vinny,Rick,Cody. Your workmanship as well as Rick and Cody will sell your Bikes.
Best of Luck
Jim

There has been a lot of talk about everybody being replaceable. That is very true.

However, it is not guaranteed that the replacement will be equal to the person leaving!

An undeniable fact is that Vinnie has benefited a lot from his relationship with the Teutels when it comes to the motorcycle building. So much that, with the PTB's being out of the fabrication loop so much, the pupil may have become better than "the masters". The guy was, and is, if I remember correctly a very good mechanic to start with. Not to mention a virtual genius at electricals.

Time has come, I guess, to really cash in on his own talents and his fabulous ethics. (Not to mention that OCC must not be always easy to live in with the PTB's always bickering LOL)

So time has also come to say a heartfelt "Good Luck" to our friend Vinnie.

I registered just so I could voice my opinion here...
I used to never miss an episode. Even looked forward to watching it every week.
But more and more the focus has switched from building bikes to "The Teutel Show". I couldn't give a crap about Sr. building a house. I could care less about their vacations to other countries... That's not why I watch the show. I watch (well used to) for the bikes.
Jr. doesn't build bikes anymore. He pretty much says to put a part here or there and then leaves for the day. Then he whines and pouts when he gets back because it doesn't look like he wants.
As far as I'm concerned "American Chopper" (or better known in my house as "The Teutel Show") can die a quick death and get Vinnie a show and show some real bikes being built again.
Oh yeah, and take Mikey with ya Vinnie. He's the only Teutel that I still respect.

This is my first posting.I have to say I'm not surprised.Vinnie was a class act.Paul Sr. last statement on the show refering to Vinnie was that people leave and any can be replaced.That speaks volumes as to the bad blood.Vinnie, when you make it, and you will,please don't turn into a egotisticle jerk.If you remember one of the shows from a couple of years ago when OCC was building a tribute bike for the biker artist.Paul Sr. was in a room with all the great builders,it looked to me that no one wanted anything to do with Sr. Arlen Ness didn't even look at him.Vinnie you will be looked at with the likes of Jesse James and Indian Larry as true builders.
Good Luck Vinnie, The show can never be the same without you!

Vinnie is working on his own shop now and has Cody working for him as well. His website is being worked on now it is www.vforcecustoms.com Everyone be sure to check it out when it is up and running

I was stunned when Vinnie quit. I am surprised, but the concensus is just as I figured, people are tired of the Almighty Teutuls.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the show very much, but am terribly sad to see Vinnie go. I hope, as many of the other posters seem to do, that Vinnie will be given his own show. He seems to be a great guy with a great work ethic. A great family man who loves his wife and kids. I hope TLC listens to the fan base and develops a bike builder show that really shows bike building.

My husband has built his bike shop from the ground up with no money, just hard work and determination. I enjoyed so much the work Jr. and Vinnie used to put in on the builds, but that day is gone and Jr and Sr are off somewhere in corporate America shuffeling money.

This is however TV and I don't think they are going to dump the Teutuls at this point. I do feel that the Teutuls have worked hard for what they now have, but I think they are starting to forget the little guy and how they began years ago. Mikey made me mad years ago when he made it seem like such a chore to autograph a shirt I had just purchased from OCC, as he mumbled a couple of words. I do see however that he has a pretty nice house and enjoys all the perks those T-shirt buyers like myself have provided for him.

Good luck to you Vinnie. If you do indeed get a TV show, I will be your biggest die hard fan. Take care of the beautiful wife and those adorable girls. Keep the rubber side down.
Marianne of Hogs and Rice

They did vinnie good he got to travel, help do his roof, the scoter trip He was an employee I wish my boss treated me that good I’m sick of all these babies crying that Sr. and Jr. did him wrong BULL some day he will be sorry he quit

hey, those dumb jerks better get vinnie back or i won't watch anymore either

Regardless of why Vinnie quit or left the show I Know how burn out can get you down.!!!! I worked the same Job for 30 years it cost me my health and my sanity. I wish I had followed Vinnies footsteps 15 years ago and may have had a better life and a better outlook on the world too. Maybe Vin just needs a little time "away" from all the rush and deadlines. I hope if he feels like it he returns to the show. He really is one of the family and helps make the show and the bikes what they are, Good luck and enjoy the time off!!!! Family is always worth more than the job. Love the show Vin thanks for all the entertaiment!!!! Impala03

[quote]hey, those dumb jerks better get vinnie back or i won't watch anymore either[/quote]

You tell em'...

You got a friend T?

I'm not the type of person to post messages like this...but I am really frustrated so I also wanted to voice my opinion. My wife and I watch American Chopper every week. I know that we only see a subset of what goes on (a week or more truncated into an hour-long show) but I've always been impressed with Vinnie's technical aptitude, dedication, and work ethic. I manage a group of 21 people...so I am pretty good at recognizing talent. He is a great worker...and a really good guy. I think Paul Sr's comment that "everyone is replaceable" is pretty immature and irresponsible because it sends the wrong message to the rest of your employees. If you don't show loyalty, why should they be loyal to you? I don't know all of the details but Vinnie was forced to work in a challenging environment but still managed to keep 'his nose to the grindstone' and avoid most of the distractions. He has a family to take care of so I wish him luck and hope he made the right decision. My advice to Paul Sr is...try to put your own personal pride aside, admit that Vinnie is a rare individual that will be extremely difficult to replace, and offer him more $$ to try to retain him. The fans would love to see him return and I'm sure it would be good for your business! Thanks.

I can only hope, Windman..

A lot of people make the claim that the production company/editors show viewers what they want them to see. A lot of claims are made that we only see the negative. However, this being the case, editing can also make negative situations seem better than they are/were. I'm not saying this is/