Q&A Am I still Friends With The Guys

[@danflory6340]

Met Vinnie at his shop in September of 13. Was on a road trip with my girls and we just stopped by. He was sitting at a table inside the overhead door listening to in the air tonight by phil Collins. Looked over his shoulder and saw us, came out and took time and pictures with us. Very cool guy. Thank you Vinnie.

[@stevens5541]

No you didnt

[@johnmcconnell8151]

Only deep cuts for the Vin man eh?

[@stephenzenerak7846]

Just shows you how people like Rick and Vinnie are rare ... we need to do something about the legacy but also helping such key talented people with outreach about the culture so that it keeps holding up the society and fields from not being forgotten and being trampled by time.

[@b.pur9981]

I am so happy to see you again Vinnie DiMartino!!! You were such a big part of our lives for a while. Very happy to hear good things!!

[@ClintMaas]

I'm not a biker but always watched the show(s). It's funny because when I look back, all I remember is Rick, Cody, and yourself building bikes with everybody else throwing things and yelling. Great to see you are doing well. And yeah, Mikey is just a good person...

[@Keliiyamashita]

the first two years of American Choppers will always have a close place in my heart. So much good feelings and nostalgia! It was a different show back in the days...

[@skigdividerx4991]

Vinnie was always my favorite. You can tell he's a good guy.

[@steven.1983]

Im from the uk does paul still has his shop? Why does vinnie not work there? Last american chopper was on a few years i dint have any idea whats is goin

[@ericfazekas1057]

I agree. Vin has always been a class act. He and Rick were the main reason I stayed watching the show.

[@skigdividerx4991]

@@ericfazekas1057 Agree!

[@macsair]

Man, seeing you was a blast from the past and a step back down memory lane. I loved watching you guys from here in Australia and dreamed of creating masterpieces like you Vinnie. Cheers from Downunder.

[@vtwinbuilder3129]

Vinnie you were always my favorite. I remember watching you pull into the parking lot in that beater Chevy (was it a Berretta?) on the show and being the guy that did all the real “mechanic” stuff. You were always the real tech in that shop. From the little I know about your background prior to the show I believe you were always spinning wrenches and you brought that ability to not only bolt things together but to make them work and fix them when they didn’t. I grew up watching you and your show and the way you operated there was so classy and you are such a natural talent when it comes to mechanical things. You inspired me to switch from cars to bikes when I was young and while I hate you for that (joking, but it’s rough as you know) I love you for the entertainment and inspiration you’ve given me over the years. Seriously glad to see you’re living what I assume has always been your dream, running your own place and doing what you love while you carve out a nice living for yourself and you beautiful family. Keep it up!!!

[@filedroid]

Hi Vinnie enjoyed watching you all those years on TV and only wish you the best of success. You always came off as a genuine first-class guy and a great family man.

[@c-dub8639]

Vinnie, I'm so glad you're still kickin' around and being the great guy you are. Born and raised in Georgia, but got New York blood (from my mom, plus I was home-schooled) , so I appreciate that I can still get my NY accent fix on youtube that I used to get when I was a kid from the show. I still to this day sometimes have trouble understanding my peers down here. Thanks man.

[@timschultz9259]

Thanks Vinnie for taking the time to talk to us.... glad to see everything is going well for you and your family.... God-Bless !!!!!!

[@johns.1287]

Every time you talk about your family your smile just lights up. That speaks for its self.

[@danielrevo5456]

Sure do miss the good ole days when Occ first aired. You guys were awesome ! God bless you Vinny you are a class act !

[@RaiderX948]

Met Vinny & Cody at a gas station on the Jersey Turnpike years ago, Vinny was on a scooter and he loved my Zo6 Corvette. Nice guys.

[@DandiOffroad]

It's nice to hear it straight from your mouth as opposed to some national enquirer type channel. Love that you have a channel. I was a huge fan of AC. You, Cody, and Rick where my favorites.

[@larryspence7717]

Vinny, I always felt like you and Rick were the real deal. Great work ethics and the glue that kept OCC from self destructing. I'm confident a dude like you can be a success at anything you are passionate about and put your mind to.

[@dimartinoindustries6026]

Larry Spence well thank you very much I really appreciate that!

[@juliajones2283]

Larry Spence totally agree

[@bullyboy131]

Agreed.

[@thefordmaniac]

Larry Spence agreed.

[@nigcrusher3322]

Welllll i have to disagree. If it wasn't for paul sr. Getting out there and building the bikes himself, it would've never got done. And tge working relationship between jr and sr kept occ afloat as long as it did

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

I always got the impression that Rick did a lot of the work but didn't get the full recognition he deserved.

[@R3N1R3N]

I really enjoy these Q&A’s . American Chopper was a memorable time frame in my life, because it was some of the last times i got to spend with my father before he passed away and we loved getting together to watching the show. Thank you Vinnie for taking it back to memory lane 👍

[@dimartinoindustries6026]

Crazy Aces thanks for sharing! No problem buddy.

[@mikepj1025]

Glad your doing great Vinnie. Always appreciated you on the show

[@retrogaming8647]

My most lasting impression of Vinnie from the old show was when Jr and Sr were ramming their trucks through the old shop and throwing perfectly good leather couches through windows etc, and Vinnie looked so upset. He could see what was coming. It's no wonder they ended up bankrupt.

[@CUSHable]

New show won't be the same without you Vin, all the best to you and the family from Scotland.

[@johnredmond8173]

What a top bloke he is.So glad it all worked out and that he's happy in his life and work.

[@aytes44]

You seem like a legit good guy. Way too much drama on the old show. I loved learning about the bikes. That was always my favorite part.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Glad you and the Family are doing well ! Thanks for updating us my son is now 27 years old and the old Tv Show was a big part of his growing up as we sat down and watched it together and even attended a couple of Bike Shows as well i treasured that time and it gave him a big interest in mechanical things to the point where as a teenager he could break down a small engine and put it back together on his own he understood the entire principles of gas and deisel engines as he was by my side as i rebuilt a couple of Smallblock Chevy engines for my boat i always made him follow with whatever manual i used and it’s diagrams to teach him as much as i could i was a Bachelor when he was only 2 so he remembers my Motorcycle in our Living room for many years ! as i began riding in the early 1970s untill i was in my 40s and suffered a major Stroke that paralyzed my left hand and parts of my leg although i’m working on a Possible Solution in restoring one of my Fathers old Motorcycles into a semi automatic !

[@paulwatson9217]

Vinny I note you never mentioned senior? That’s the gentleman you are. And as the old saying goes (if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all) pure class mate

[@ricktemmen6272]

I noticed that he never mentioned Senior at all. That very telling.

[@paulwatson9217]

Michael Heathman I never said Paul Senior was an asshole and more importantly I never would. He has done some lovely and kind things and that I can’t deny. But his behaviour is not conducive with a harmonious family or workforce and that is down to flaws in his personality, that I’m sure he just can’t help, it’s a shame I actually do like Paul Senior but I do understand why his family and people who worked for him had the issues they did with him. I couldn’t work for him but could happily go for a drink with him. And lastly I was just making the point that Vinny was being polite by saying nothing at all. Hope this clarifies what I was saying. Paul Seniors problems are of his own making.

[@ricktemmen6272]

@@paulwatson9217 I think Paul Senior's problem is his temper. I think he is a nice guy but has a short fuse and always regrets his actions after the fact.

[@paulwatson9217]

Rick Temmen You are absolutely right and senior knows it too. In light of this fact and the pain he has caused himself and others you would think he would have gotten help by the way of anger management or medication if required. He would save himself and his loved ones a hole load of headache. I know it’s easy for me and others on the outside looking in to make comments but the poor guy should seek professional help for the sake of himself and his family. The hardest thing here is for Paul Senior to admit it to himself.

[@Twistytowertowercrane]

@@paulwatson9217 whole

[@LoveMyZJ]

Hey Vinnie, just found you here on KZbin. I grew up watching American Chopper, and now at the ripe age of 29, I can say that of the cast of OCC, you, Rick, Cody and Christian were the most relatable and genuine. Even though you're all busy doing your own things, it would be neat to see a round-table style video of you guys answering questions. Glad to see all is well with you and your family!

[@wakeupamericaandresist2413]

Vinnie is a real dude, like the rest of us working guys, we work , go home and back to work again, great to see see you again 👍🍺

[@Antho-R22]

Glad to see you doing well! You where my favorite from way back when I used to watch that show.

[@Shaverboy516]

Vinnie glad you are keeping in touch with fans of the show, you were always level headed and never let sh*t bother you. You made the right choices by leaving and starting your own business. I always felt that Sr. treated Jr. poorly and the rest of the crew were subject to hearing it. At the end you knew you had enough of it and moved on:)

[@bigbenbennett606]

I agree the crew was treated poorly that is probably why jr would show up late mikey is my favorite I liked everyone for sure paulie vinny had the best ideas for the builds and

[@umbarger70]

certainly appreciate the candid answers in the q and a. Sucks not seeing you on tv anymore, i always thought you were a good hearted genuine dude. Glad to see you are happy.

[@Brad772006]

Wow, Vinnie has a youtube channel. Glad to hear you are doing well. You and Rick were the reason I watched the show. You guys were and still are the real deal. I have been into bikes since I was a kid. Although my interest lie in the off road bike world. I have a shop full of bikes right now. Your an inspiration my man. Keep it up dude, whether on cars or bikes. You the man!

[@dimartinoindustries6026]

Lord Motorsports well I'm so glad to hear that thank you so much and it really makes me happy to know that I inspired you!

[@Justin-bz1dp]

Hi see Mike foom occ

[@Justin-bz1dp]

@@dimartinoindustries6026 oo

[@motorunion]

I'm very happy to have found your youtube channel because I'm your big fan. You are a very nice person, calm and with many skills and that's why I liked so much. After you left the TV SHOW I never watched it again... I am very grateful to God that you have own business, have a nice family and healthy as well. I hope you continue your life with same charisma and surrounded by friends. Keep Going man!! My best wishes from Brazil.

[@ogaugeclockwork4407]

I only ever watched the show to see Vinnie and Rick behaving like real men and doing real work!

[@brianmoran5705]

Hey Vinnie, I'm so glad you that you are doing well!! I always enjoyed your contribution to OCC and Paul Jr Designs on the TV shows!! You are a class act!!

[@West_Georgia_Rods_Customs]

Great update Vinnie.... really enjoyed hearing about the other crew members! Cody is a good kid.... we watched him grow up before our viewing eyes! I have a few guys like him that I’ve mentored in my career. Keep these updates coming really like seeing them.

[@illuminatedcrosshairs7865]

Vinnie, I understand what you are saying too. Some people actually like the drama. . What I don’t understand is why ( documentary) channels have to put so much drama into the shows . You, Cody are the ones who try to make the show actually a entertaining and knowledgeable show. I respect you a lot for being real and not being part of the drama. So many shows now are putting drama ahead of showing the skills of craftsmanship that really makes the show what it should be! Fast and loud is a good example of showing craftsmanship over negative drama! Some people want to see positive results more than negative whining and crying! Thank you for so positive on a drama filled show! I wish you all the best in your no doubt successful future!

[@frugalprepper]

Great Video. It's amazing how relationships are always changing and life changes. I was driving through the town where I had my first real job and started thinking about how many people then were such a big part of my life and how I haven't seen some of them in over two decades now. And one guy that I hired way back then to be a bench tech is now my boss and we are still great friends.

[@natived2003]

You're awesome Vinnie! Glad to see you and your family are ding well and enjoying your lives! Sure miss seeing you on TV and all the work you did to those bikes

[@HughsReviews]

VINNY!!!!!!! My favorite guy from the ole occ days. To this day when I hear anyone drop something, I yell YATZEEEEEE!!!! Glad to see you're doing well!

[@360nastybusiness]

+El Salvador he seems fine .looks better then most 45 year olds

[@ltsgarage7780]

@El Salvador why dog him. You dont know his health issues. If he has any. Why dont you put yourself on u-tube an see if anyone Dogs you? He's just telling the wonderers that he is not working on bikes now. He has turned his income to vehicles. Leave his health alone. We all die at different ages!

[@PowderMill]

Considering his medical condition, he is looking pretty dam good!

[@Spungie990]

@El Salvador and this is your only comment? Pathetic

[@MrReacuto]

I was 13-16 years old when Discovery Russia show AC. I grow up on this show. Thanks for good times! Save the friendship.

[@jayyoutube8790]

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say nothing” respect Vinnie, respect

[@stevemuzak8526]

That's why he didn't say anything about Sr.

[@ryanguercio7061]

Vinny first time I saw your you tube awesome vid. Thanks for the updates. Good people as you said. Wishing you and the family my best from north jersey.

[@tulmar4548]

Awsome to see ya on KZbin . Always a champ , respect :)

[@prancstaman]

Good to see you are doing what you love... I work with someone at my job like you and Rick did. We been working together for 23+ years and counting. Like a brother from another mother. Just subbed..........

[@azdesertdog]

Just stumbled onto your channel. Great to hear about what you are doing these days. Smashed that subscribe button.

[@somepothead4849]

Loved that show. Vinnie and Mickey just being good people was always the best part of it.

[@CMRinehart]

I’m just the opposite. I love peace and quiet, and hate chaos.

[@1966cambo]

Me too! ADHD LOL

[@thorson7842]

Glad your still on good turms with the boys. So happy I stumbled onto your channel. Love and respect!

[@damnyankeerider5959]

You my man are legit! Family first friends a close second! Your keeping it the way it supposed to be

[@lesliemcgrew4595]

Your a good man Vince!! Keep on trucking buddy, we miss seeing you on the shows. Maybe you could start your own show in the future!!!

[@rob12449]

my two cents: remember getting the feeling how underappreciated Vinnie seemed to be. He was the guy that would wire up the bike, get the job done, and often take the crap.

[@notajp]

Good to hear about Rick. Glad he’s doing well. I always thought you and Rick were the real talents on that show. And you both mostly tried to stay above the fray. Very admirable! Sorry to hear that you aren’t doing bike work anymore. You have a real talent for the custom work, but I understand your reasons. At least you are happy with what you are doing now. And that’s more important than anything. Fame and fortune mean nothing if you are miserable. Like with Mikey and his artwork. He really seemed to enjoy that, and I hope he is still doing it. He always seemed like a big teddy bear! Just a sweet, fun loving teddy bear. Gotta keep your sense of humor and enjoy life while you can....nobody gets out alive!

[@hvacexplained9341]

Vinny has always been a down to earth good hard worker old school attitude. I’ve always enjoyed watching his talent come to life. I’m just curious since the show has ended does he ever have any nightmares of hearing Paul Sr yell out “I’ll pull out these size 12’s”

[@digitalranger4259]

Great to stumble across your channel! Good QnA! You, Rick, and Cody were what kept me watching the show, and I'd watch a show that was just you guys building a bike and talking. Maybe something like Wheeler Dealer, but with bikes instead of cars.

[@MALO-nn5iy]

Forget about the past. Make videos of you working on something. The future is more important than the past.

[@66lesjo]

I wouldn’t have expected you to answer this question any other way. Very diplomatic. You always came across as a decent guy, and your response confirmed it. Glad you didn’t lower yourself and call names. Just subbed. Peace and good luck for the future from the UK.

[@terrylynch9266]

Im glad your doing this its great to see you.always my favorite on the show.

[@theastewart6721]

Nice to find your channel! Great to hear how well you are doing! There’s a lot to be said for going to work happy everyday. And of course, family is everything! Wishing you all the best. My husband and I have been fans since the beginning.

[@ProtectYourNecks]

I took a field trip to your V-Force customs shop when I was in highschool. Both you and Cody were cool guys and were joking around with us. We also stopped at OCC, but they almost seemed pissed we were in the building.

[@Titainium-gz5gj]

Hi Vin. I’m over the moon that you are enjoying your work etc. The show was the reason I got into biking. I’m from England, I was on holiday in Antigua years ago and was feeling a bit rough. Stayed in the hotel room and spotted the liberty bike episode on tv, well before it was on in UK. You, Rick, Cody etc made the show. It drifted for me when It became more about the arguments and family politics rather than doing the bikes. Rick is a fantastic fabricator. I’m an engineer, and his work is great. It’s great to hear that you’s are all doing well after the show. Keep up the good work, I’ve just subscribed and will be following your progress. Good luck mate, and take care.

[@JohnDiMartino]

So glad you did this video brother! There are so many lies and misconceptions being spread about you , OCC and your business . For anyone who doesn’t know DiMartino Motorsports is a top notch modern shop with the latest test and diagnostic equipment , it’s run right , Vinnie is second to none when it comes to mechanics .

[@dimartinoindustries6026]

John DiMartino thanks brother!

[@TheStuport]

John DiMartino--- I appreciate your reply to Vinnie. I'm of a mind that most of Vinnie's Fans absolutely side step the piles of rumors. I'm glad he keeps somewhat in touch with his pals too. It's difficult to be sure once you have kids and your own buisness but once in awhile i'm sure The Planets and Stars align and Vinnie and the boys meet and catch up. I'm thankful to be able to just have these videos and other snips to remind me of how decent a man Vinnie has always been. Cheers John

[@kenmartiniano2797]

Hey John. Did you used to have a twin turbo CTD? Many many years ago I used to be in the MDTDR. I've met you at dyno events in PA. Good to see both of you are and your families doing well. Ken

[@luvmycorso]

this is good to see

[@peterharris8506]

John DiMartino true that bro.

[@lafeelabriel]

You and Rick were the, when you get down to it, only voices of sanity on the show. Very glad to have found you on here. Yours truly A Icelandic fan.

[@TommyRibs]

Vinnie and Rick kept things real. They were the soul that of that show.

[@brewstar58]

abso

[@1dirtovalracer]

You rock Vinny!!! I definitely know if you were a little closer I'd bring my vehicle to your shop.

[@s_brinkmeyer7882]

Always thought you were a stand-up guy. Glad you're doing well and doing what you enjoy. God Bless.

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

So many people forget that life is about where you are now, not really where you were, although sometimes it does put into perspective where you are, but not always. Your family is the only people you want to be a hero to and for. Great video.

[@ohigedid91xbox9]

Mikey was so underrated man... he was like an energy magnet, he knew when things were starting to get sour and would do something to bring the mood back up and put everyone in a better state, some of those days it looked like you or rick would’ve killed someone if mikey wasn’t there fucking around

[@ohigedid91xbox9]

He might’ve not been mechanically inclined but he was deff a character needed to uplift

[@briangoldy8784]

Loved Mikey.....He had some addiction issues........Hope he resolved..........Good Guy . Good Heart. . Never missed an episode if Mikey was mentioned in Upcoming shows.................

[@MIKECASTR0]

Thanks for the update, we were wondering. Wife and I still have our first run signed V Force Customs t-shirts!

[@JayKayKay7]

I remember you once saying, "Cross threads are better than no threads at all."

[@abaddon8418]

It says a lot about you by your positive comments of others. It comes back 100 fold. All the best to you and yours. 👍👍

[@dougfielding8215]

I watched that show just to see Rick quietly do his magic. He is truely a talented fabricator and was one of the few sane people on the show.

[@dougholdem2898]

Vinnie you truly are a class act! Here's wishing you and your family all the best.

[@mattsloop2736]

Glad to see you leading a normal happy life after being a celebrity on a show. Keep it up be happy.

[@jerryfritz1338]

So great to see you happy and doing well! You are a very talented person and I always enjoyed when you and Mikey hung out and dis things on the show. The very best to you and your family.

[@michelevitarelli]

Good seeing you Vinnie! Keep them coming.

[@jwmatt]

It's great to see that you are alive and well. Four children, WOW! I saw a bike that came from your shop a few years ago. Nice work, good design and good quality fabrication.

[@Capronice]

I loved that show. Paul getting angry with Paul Jr. was pure gold. Paul Jr's talent was truly fantastic. This show had it all.

[@stevegps]

I miss watching you guys on TV. Glad to see you doing what you love. Thanks

[@samiam9008]

Did I miss it or did you not mention Sr. ??........ good to see your doing well

[@loyalram4363]

Yes he avoided mentioning Sr...He was glad for leaving OCC forever. Who is OCC? Sr.

[@yammy1000]

Noticed nobody misses jason either. I think he was the catalyst for a lot of the arguments there!

[@oasisbeyond]

Well it's not like they hanged out before lol.

[@DelMarSteeler]

All the best Vinnie. Hard work always pays off.

[@PianoMan5000]

American choppers is what got me into welding like 15 years ago

[@sandymitchell8182]

so glad to see you doing well, you got rid of drama in your life/work, life has its own set of drama,downfalls etc to have them at work.I stop by the shop once coming back home from boston, well not shop but gift shop? lol, didnt get to see anyone but me and my son ,wife got to see some bikes,took pics,but some stuff etc. take care my friend and may god bless you and yours,love the videos and channel,keep it up if you can ;)

[@vdogg8780]

The problem with senior is he’s a “dry drunk”, meaning he put down the drink but still has the mentality and spirituality of a raging active alcoholic. It’s everyone else that’s the problem.

[@v5u7sulh2]

You could tell he was on steroids, and thats where all the irrational rage came from... Once he quit taking them, he got smaller and started to realize how much he fucked up.

[@jasongenovajr.776]

v5u7sulh2 so false shut up

[@v5u7sulh2]

False, maybe. thats just what it looked like to me.

[@v5u7sulh2]

Granted, i've only seen him on tv so its all speculation on my part.. but, when i noticed him getting smaller, was right after Jr. quit. After that it seemed like he was trying to act more civil and like he wanted to have a healthy father/son relationship, quitting steriods or drugs etc. made sense so forgive me for misspeaking, Either way, i was rooting him. Its sad to see members of a family business in such turmoil

[@joski9030]

Fuck off clown

[@jwkooi1979]

Hi Vinnie. Always loved the show. Loved your work and never knew what happened. In Holland the show stopped years ago. Good to see you again. Keep te content going, nice!!! Regards JW

[@fleetwin1]

I agree, Mikey is a "good egg", as my Mom would say. I sure hope he is OK and doing things that interest him, not relying on the family. And yes, Rick always seemed to be a great guy, with real talent. I remember reading he had married and moved to Pa, sure hope he is happy and doing what he likes to do also.

[@bradflynn506]

Props for doing what makes you happy bro. You got your priorities in order and that’s great to see. Know the feeling with the house being a circus! Sometimes I go to work for some quiet! Best of luck with the business Vin.

[@cyberpunk4622]

KZbin would be interesting platform for you to make a car or truck design and build show. Get a Patreon account to help fund the madness.

[@TunerGuy_90]

Much respect Vinnie! I watched American Chopper with my dad, since day 1. You were my favorite!!! Bikes, cars!!! 👌.

[@lancekiel1467]

Not seeing Jr and Sr must be a dream come true

[@tompirozek4490]

Notice he didn't mention Sr

[@rubenvargas3547]

Great way to stay in touch, Vinny your the best, salt of the earth, I started watching OCC from the first episode, rode up to Orange County from time to time to some of the events, been to the shop a few times, love Mikey, super guy, met him a few times. Paul Sr. I don’t care for, I think the being a “celebrity “ went to his head, and he has pretty much been a self absorbed kind of guy. Thanx for taking the time to stay in touch, would love to see your new shop.

[@YOUareGODSMACKT]

You have to contact rick mate. .You only live once .i think he feels the same way Brothers for life. ; greetings from the netherlands

[@UFC_Buffalo]

Vinny, you're one of the reasons I became a specialized mechanic. Wish you and the family all the best!

[@CortezwithaZ]

It’s cool that you emphasized family first and then... your friends. You’d be amaze how some people’s priorities are the opposite. But not you. Stay true brother. 😎

[@ralphiwreckit82]

Awesome to see you are doing well in the post filming days. Guys like you and Rick are the real deal. You are uniquely positioned to really impress on people the wise message of go to work happy. If your not, get out of it asap. Friends have couches and relatives have food. Don't stay in a hellish job one second longer than you have to.

[@unclenolte6784]

Love the channel, Vinnie. Keep it up!

[@wilber53]

I've always wondered what you guys are doing now.Thanks for the update..Best of luck on your own business Vinnie!

[@Brento44]

Love these videos Vinnie!

[@jcross8380]

Nice seeing ya, I look forward to following you. You're a classy guy and are blessed with many gifts ( from what you said loud gifts, but still blessing)

[@joelabriola6289]

Your a great guy living a honest life! Family first as it should be. The Tutles are egomaniac all about the money! $$ I will not be watching the new OCC series! It has run its course.

[@danielrine3103]

Vinny, I use to watch OCC and really liked the show, I was surfing the net today and came across your channel, you by far was one of the most talented people there... I hope all is well with you and your family, was great I found your channel.... Great to see you are still around, have a great day, I will continue watching your channel......