Whatever Happened To Rick From American Chopper?

American Chopper depicted the inner workings of Orange County Choppers, run by Paul Teutul and his son Paul Jr. Outside of the motorcycles, the main draw of the show was the constant drama between the two Pauls, which eventually led to them not speaking to each other.
In the middle of all of this was the level-headed Rick Petko, who quickly became a fan-favorite for his laid-back nature and skill at his job, and many fans are sad to see that Petko has not returned for the revival. Let’s take a look at whatever happened to Rick Petko from American Chopper.
#AmericanChopper #TV #RealityTV
He got married in 2012 | 0:00
Jumping networks | 0:59
Building Shaq's Bike | 1:41
A long commute | 2:31
His own shop | 3:26
Other business | 4:17
Custom wedding bands | 5:09
Second daughter arrives | 5:33
Shunning the spotlight | 6:15
Sons of Speed | 7:01
Sitting out the revival | 8:02
Races and bike shows | 9:05
Read Full Article: www.looper.com...

[@Looper]

Who was your favorite on American Chopper?

[@fplalex_thekid7725]

Seniors Mam what a sweet old lady 🤗

[@phatbassanchor]

That's easy, Rick Petko! He grounded the series by holding his own and remaining professional while utter chaos swirled about him. Rick is a man easily admired for his skills, professionalism and easy manner amid the storm.

[@Bebop557]

Paul sr

[@maxbrazil3712]

Vinnie and Rick. Equally talented and cool.

[@bloodtearssweat1373]

Mikey, that dude can always put a smile on my face.

[@Brad772006]

Rick and Vinny were the reason I watched the show.

[@ferrariowner123]

SERIOUSLY!! The only fuckers who did any work! haha

[@coreypolite9831]

Lord Motorsports .Me too, and whenever they featured Nub. His paint work always kicked ass.

[@adammcfarren5214]

Amen lord

[@thewickednetwork7667]

Lord Motorsports Those two are the reason I stopped watching the show Those punks became little bitches and went to work for Paul Jr. and they betrayed Paul Sr. I’m glad Rick stayed behind with Paul Sr.

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

@@thewickednetwork7667 So you were into the drama more than the bike building. I get it.

[@benjamin5028]

Rick was one of the best, he did his job and stayed out of the intense drama around him. A true professional, lots a respect for that Man

[@animalhouseIZ]

Rick was always just a solid worker and low stress. It’s cool he’s doing what he like. I wish him and his family all the best.

[@elcholocachanilla7018]

You forgot to mention he kissed Paul sr ass !!!🤣🤣🤣

[@GSP-76]

I always had a lot of respect for Rick...great guy and very humble.

[@theone2be33]

I went to OCC and had the tour in the shop. Saw Rick working on a bike. He looked over and waved at me! I was in heaven! He's such a cool guy!

[@revj6271]

Rick is a real craftsman. Enjoyed watching him create parts from scratch. Just got tired of all the drama. Love to watch people create and show off their craftsmanship.

[@Robocoppat]

If it wasn't for Rick, 90% of OCC bikes would've never been built. I've been welding/ fabricating for over 35 years, and his skills are light years ahead of anyone I've seen. He deserves every ounce of recognition he gets. And leaving OCC was the best thing he did, in my opinion.

[@stevie8194]

OCC was nothing without Rick and Vinny. Good luck Rick top man.

[@RFJersey]

Stevie Rick more than Vinnie, Vinnie took sides and that was a let down.

[@johnapodmajersky7603]

Without Rick& vinnie occ is nothing more than trash

[@joshythehand2960]

@@johnapodmajersky7603 there's a big dif between having an idea.. Nd actually being able to fabricate that idea.

[@wakeupamerica4610]

This is what being a real man is...father ,husband ,true to ones self!!

[@austindorf83]

Wake Up America your incorrect spacing before commas makes me want to bomb your country.

[@lindamuvic8110]

Rick was a genius metal fabricator, a real artist. Glad he’s doing well.

[@MM-zj8be]

Thanks for giving the ending away ahole

[@josea5949]

Rick was always my favorite cast member on the show. It was clear that he wasn't on the show for himself but just to do what he loved most. Congratulations Rick for not falling into that toxicity that the show gave off and going on your own to do your own thing and being successful at it. Keep up the great work and much success to you and your beautiful family!

[@tramlad2]

One of the nicest guys on the show, always a gentle thoughtful guy, i hope he lives a happy life with his family a great fabricator and skilled builder

[@paulbarnett5818]

Rick and Vinnie and Mike were my favourite guys on American Chopper. the two Pauls were drama Queens, still are.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I love those DIY memes using the 2 pauls. I guess thats makin the bigtime these days, being made into a meme.

[@servicarrider]

Rick was pretty much the one person that I could relate to on that show. I was more or less underwhelmed by the drama. Made it difficult to watch the show.

[@Shadothecat]

The drama was fake until became serious. Which coincide with several lawsuits on senior and occ fir illegal practices.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

I just wish I was the guy who provided all those office doors that got smashed.

[@servicarrider]

@Inside....If I had to deal with them it wouldn't be worth my time or trouble.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@servicarrider Touche'

[@Shadothecat]

@@servicarrider they pretty much install the frames themselves. You just a 100 off at a time

[@kalevala29]

I don't know how anyone could tolerate working for Paul Sr for that long. Rick seems grounded and happy and I'm glad he's moved on.

[@teddy-ted5285]

Watching Rick taught me when working in a hostile Environment Keep your head low speak when spoken too and get the job done.

[@pikeywyatt]

teddy teed ...then you live in my nightmares.

[@andytaylor1588]

Always shoot first and make it count. And never leave witlesses.

[@swully-ol4lx]

Teddy well said my Brother.

[@jasonantigua6825]

Teddy- Ted Sounds like you been taking shit yer whole life!

[@afattori316]

@@billybob042665 grammar teacher? Your to much. Mistake on purpose btw.

[@blackwaterdogs4256]

Rick was always a stand-up guy....hard worker, serious, and a great craftsman. Glad to see he has branched out, those knives and rings are beautiful !

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

Very down to earth kind of guy, he actually built a custom bike for a friend of mine. And any problems that came up with the bike, Rick took care of them himself.

[@OCDRex11]

Never would have thought to wonder where Rick Petco was, but after watching this I am glad I took the time. Rick was always one of my favorites and I can recall why after this video. Great job on being factual and not adding fluff. Rick was never about the limelight and OCC. He was however a fantastic metal worker and I am glad he is still doing what he loves. Thanks for sharing this!

[@karlmcgowan6929]

thank you, Rick, it was an honour to watch a hard-working guy who wasn't in it for the fame and fortune lets just say I wish I had your moral's and a very strong work ethic if the world had more people like you it would be a far better place, Rick stay as you are my friend god bless and take care.

[@robertesposito9871]

Glad to hear he’s doing good, he was the only one I liked, he was never into the drama, OCC didn’t build bikes, they assembled bikes, it wasn’t until Rick started working there that they actually started building and fabricating bikes.

[@cristeaantoniu]

He is a good guy, loved him on OCC, i'm glad he is doing OK

[@lynnh7694]

Seems like a guy that remains true to himself. Way to go man !

[@janefaulkner3749]

Rick and Vinny where the back bone of OCC, GOOD LUCK.

[@theone2be33]

Rick was the backbone of OCC along with Vinnie! 👍😎👍

[@batsonelectronics]

both are the reason I watched. Jr has some good ideas but the skills of Rick and Vinnie are what was impressive.

[@michaelyackovich155]

Paul senior reminded me of Boyd Coding ton, a clueless BULLY

[@petermc2183]

@@michaelyackovich155 yeah, boyd and Paul senior just sat in their offices and sceemed on how to make more money and screw their workers into ridiculous work hours

[@ronbutcher9412]

It's really nice to see a nice guy have a happy life......good job Rick!

[@REDMAN298]

Rick is one skilled fabricator. And he didn`t follow suit with the other drama queens in the show.

[@dieselscience]

They say the ghost of his mullet still tries to sweep up the shop at closing time.....

[@steven.1983]

😂😂

[@timothydisinger9414]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TheMityquin]

Scary!

[@DavMCycle]

He's a chill and talented dude, I'm happy that he is happy and doing well.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Proud to share my state with him...I've been to Stroudsburg a few times to go to Roadside America...A vintage indoor railroad display...Glad he's doing well.

[@phatbassanchor]

Rick Petko was a workhorse fabricator on American Chopper. I never understood how he could take all the sh*t that Jr and Sr dished out on the regular. God knows I would never stand for that kind of work environment. Rick is the kind of man I would gladly hang out with and easily call friend. As a father and grandfather I respect his love of family and desire for a private life. I hope he continues to grow as a husband, father and builder.

[@tjthegreat7]

money talks that is why lol

[@mikem10481]

Rick and Vinnie were my favourite guys on American Chopper. True blue coloured guys and heroes.

[@jonathantyree8172]

Standup guy..hard worker..a excellent example of a man'sman.. Good for him..i think a bike trip to his shop is in order.

[@FherKa19]

Rick was the backbone of both American Chopper and Orange County Chopper. Both Senior and Junior should be very grateful to to have learned from this guy.

[@zxBiiOHaZaRDxz]

I would see Rick quite often at our local grocery store. This is spot on. He’s just a down to earth guy just going about the common family man stuff. He would exchange a hello and continue on. Definitely a great guy.

[@mewbournerandy8175]

Rick was and still is my favorite from the show. This cat has so talented! I love to watch this guy work his magic fabricating stuff, from concept to reality it's awesome! Would love to one day have the time to stop by his shop on the way through there just to see what he's up to. I wish him and his family nothing but the best present and future.

[@chrisbarr1359]

I liked how Rick always kept out of the family drama. While they were arguing and fighting, Rick had his nose to the grind stone working on on bikes. You could also tell the childish fights irritated Rick, who wanted to just build bikes.

[@jamiewiden9237]

Got a picture of my wife with Rick when we stopped by the old shop during a visit to New York. Super cool guy for sure!

[@user-pq6mr6op3p]

You meant to say your wife had a picture taken with Rick and you found it in a drawer.

[@melbfilms8962]

Rick was always my favourite in OCC he is a gentleman and a talented fabricator good to see he is doing well

[@SojornCorr]

Rick and Vinnie , only two worth checking on IMO. Glad they are both well and doing great. God speed to them both.

[@whitelightining7125]

Without Rick and Vinnie none of the bike builds would of gotten done.

[@forbeshutton5487]

I'd love to see Rick on Forged in Fire.

[@neongreenninja5433]

Nice , this show was fun helped me get thru some slow days to be honest . im glad Rick is doing good and happy .

[@raythackston1960]

I met Rick and a couple of the other guys in Daytona Beach for Biketoberfest about 7 or 8 years ago. Of all the guys he was the coolest and was laid back and had no attitude at all. he talked to me for quite a while until we all got seated to eat. It was an Italian rest. and was packed. But he kept talking to me once the other guys clammed up. Glad he is doing well and I am happy for him. He did nothing but quality work and had real standards.

[@2017Eagles]

Rick and Vinnie were true hard working blue collar guys that put their time into what they really loved doing building bikes.Those guys could careless about being in the spot light with the show.What I really liked about those two is that they took Kodi under their wings and showed him not just how to build bikes but motors as well.

[@dcfan1107]

To me, Rick and Vinnie were the heart and soul of that show.

[@joegillie8920]

Rick and Vinnie were an inspiration to watch. I learned from them. Paul Sr. is like what my Dad used to be. And I was a lot like Paul Jr. Luckily both of us changed. It was uncomfortable for me to watch the melodrama. I did learn from how Rick and Vinnie dealt with the melodrama. Had a chance to meet Paul Sr. in person. Not impressed. Maybe a bad day? But he was grumpy. I'm guessing he is about 5'7". That he would be taller and bigger. But glad to see Rick doing well for himself! He is talented and he deserves it!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

I'm glad Rick is doing just fine in his new carrier. God Bless him an his family.

[@JO-ly3hi]

What carrier? Is he a truck driver? *Career.

[@skyking4501]

Rick is a champion in my book. The man has his priorities straight about his family. Gotta respect a man who won’t sacrifice his family for a dollar or another camera shot.

[@nigelcarren]

Re-runs of American Chopper were running last month here in England, and because I hadn't seen it for so long, I have to admit, my first though was: "How about that... Bradley Cooper is building bikes now"! 👏👏👏👏👏😀

[@damiansmith1842]

I am from Stroudsburg but settled in Virginia when i retired from the Marine Corps and grew up near his shop and loved watching him work on OCC when it was on. I only watched it to see his fabricating. Plan on stopping in his shop next time i am home and hopefully catch him there. It would be cool to meet him in person.

[@jonny555ive]

Rick, Vinnie and Mikey were the top 3 reasons why I kept watching. They all got along so well. You could definitely see the love. The rest of them were greedy back stabbers. Great upload 👍👍

[@209lapko]

Go, Rick, best of luck on all your new endeavors!!!

[@ErikS-]

Rick was part of the best episodes of American Chopper. I think he left at the correct time... Afterwards it became more a soap than anything else. In the beginning, the series showed the stress about building a business. It was more about passion about building a motor cycle. Now it is only commercial... Seeing how much senior and junior earned from the series, Rick got away bad financially.

[@wff58]

Rick...you are the ultimate role model of professionalism. It's in you. It's a part of you. You are an example to all of us! What an accomplishment! God Bless!

[@remopiccioni9456]

He was a likeable guy. He never got involved in drama and just did his job.

[@Edriklongtail]

Miss Rick, looked up to him so much!

[@shanesaunders7729]

Lives right down the road from me. See him pretty much every morning. Real down to earth guy.

[@ctd7731]

Right on Rick! It's really nice to hear some good news for change. Peace

[@yeti8it396]

Rick was seriously my fave on American Chopper .

[@fleetwin1]

Rick is such a great guy, OCC must have felt the loss terribly when he left. Rick was always neutral when it came of the feuding, and tried to keep the peace. Rick is so talented, a real artist with fabrication...The Harley dealer is lucky to have Rick now, I know he must be a great family man and dad....All the best to a great guy who is so talented...

[@TheImtoomuch]

Rick just ran motorcycle races in Allentown a couple of weeks ago!

[@patcb1478]

Was there to. You should check out the race of gentlemen in wildwood he races there to.

[@jpalmi]

Rick was always one of my top favorites of OCC.. his abilities were endless..

[@351nang]

Thank you for that, Rick is an ace and marvellous guy in all respects.

[@matthewdell4504]

Rick was the guy that I actually wanted to see. No drama and great skills.

[@peterherrington3300]

A "real" guy on a reality show , gotta be a first ! Good luck to him and his family

[@redtesta]

Rick was solid. Sharp as a cookie in his trade. Very low profile and humble. For a decade he drove 2 hours to work and 2 hours home, that is 4 hours not including work time . He deserves all he gets , the sacrifice must have been painful

[@garysmith5781]

I met Rick at the S&S 50th build off 08, LaCrosse Wisconsin..Very cool humble guy, talked a bit about bikes and stuff...really cool..

[@kevmon4273]

Rick and Vinny should open up their own shop it would be amazing

[@mikeromeo8905]

Always liked Rick' s work, and work ethic, as much as his laid back attitude in general. I enjoy metalwork as well , so I can very much relate to where he is at. All the best Rick, to you and family God bless brother.

[@tchiletz]

He definitely was a Good Man, and father as well, nice Damascus Knives

[@tchiletz]

ZionHillCalling the show died

[@michaellong6605]

I had to watch this again. At least one guy on that OCC show was a decent Harley loving man. So good to see him do great work and having time for all the stuff that matters.

[@RM-gn2nj]

Great to see a Nice guy finish 1st. Has a solid wife, adorable daughter which he devotes his time for and a all round solid guy. God Bless you Rick

[@noorazhar2209]

Hope he will compete in FORGED in FIRE

[@jasongarcia9614]

Noor Azhar me too

[@thebrokenglasskids5196]

Rick was by far the most talented member of OCC, and even more so, it's best human being. Best wishes to him and his wonderful family!

[@AbominableFoMan]

The guy lives not that far away from me in a small PA mountain town. He's really humble and chill and you can always spot him at a car show or bike meets.

[@badapple65]

How could there be 333 dislikes on this update? Everything about the man is Cool.

[@110americalovingpatriot2]

Awe that picture of his daughters on the Springer's reminded me of my wife and her dad. He passed away a couple years ago at age 70 and was a lifelong Harley lover and always had one and when he passed he had a 1990 Springer Softail that was rode hard and put away wet one to many times so I tore it down and had it painted salmon pink and to much other stuff to list but probably my favorite is when she fires it up I custom made some Big Radius look alike pipes but with slightly thicker gauge steel and damn that 1340 evo sounds kick ass, I get a chubby when she revs it up👍😜 hehe

[@rubblejohnstone4460]

Any descent mechanic/ tec I ever know was like Rick. Modest, highly skilled and family guys. His wife is beautiful his daughter a little star and I really hope they make it. God bless.

[@alienbutcher666]

Rick a well rounded person,fucking shining example of what people should be like in a work place to get a job done!!!!!

[@joelabriola6289]

Good for Rick, Great guy best part of the show. His priorities are right, family first.

[@randyscott954]

I always respected you on the show. You are real worker with talent. Your a example of what a real man is not the show business b s. Respect to you and your family

[@SteveStanger]

This was great! Always liked Rick and glad to hear he's doing well.

[@Christopher25S]

Great guy and was apart of giving us some eye appealing bikes. Great TV memories.

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

I always thought Junior was a little ungrateful. If it wasn't for Sr.'s business acumen, the kid would never have had the experience and know-how to be a builder in the first place. He just took it as his due. Or so it was made to seem on the show. But Rick and Vinnie were my kind of workers. Show up, do everything right, do more than was asked, give it your all, then go home. That was Vinnie and Rick when I tuned in.

[@trebor9711]

The reason Rick Petko has done so well is because he is a Humble person, it matters 🙏

[@773trucker]

That man has a great work ethic. His work held OCC together. Follow your dream.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

I grew up in the next county over from these guys, but the show came out when i was living out of state. it was like havin a little slice of home on the tv. Now im back in the area and i guess its really not gone so good since the heydays.

[@StephenDanielAddeo]

It's common to meet Rick at random motorcycle gatherings. Nice guy!

[@adriengadson3544]

Nice to see Rick enjoying life. This goes to show all customizers do not like all the bs and lights , camera , action and keep to themselves.

[@bigbubba4001]

Rick is doing awesome with the great people at Pocono mountain Harley..

[@elliotazus6258]

Rick was Mr Calm. I noticed the Honey Jack bottle on the table and now I like him more. HJ with ginger ale is like drinking at Christmas all year!!

[@lendog203]

Rick was ALWAYS cool & his talent was ALWAYS presence. Good guy indeed.

[@Sassenhaim]

Always knew he is the real smart guy on OCC, and let's be honest he has made it now. Making custom bikes is one thing but making custom factory bikes is like being legend 😁😎

[@charlesdjones1]

Rick one of those guys u know is just a great dude. He was always my favorite after Jr left.

[@hollythorn9004]

this guy has talent. It was nice to see his craftmanship. I never tuned in for drama. The show was supposed to be about bikes. As for mikey, Id have fired him on day one.

[@scottfabel7492]

That's awesome that he followed his dream and being close to home. More power to him and his family! Also, he lives in Stroudsburg where my family came from.

[@michaelpessolano6458]

Rick gave me the finger once on route 84 coming out of middletown ny cause i didnt move out of his way in the middle lane..lol

[@judaspriest1071]

I think everyone who watched American Chopper... liked Rick very well.. always in a good mood, with a smile on the nap.. and not to forget .. he was a devil on building motorcycles, he did not get the credit he should have received, in my opinion.. FREE RICK 🤘😜

[@sammyayo8723]

Got bless, Rick Petco and his family. That man has worked HARD to get what he wants and where he wants to go. He personifies what the United States of America and the persute if happiness is all about!!