Ep 14. Space Shuttle Tribute Bike (1)

In American Chopper season 3 episode 14, titled "Space Shuttle Tribute Bike (1)," the crew at Orange County Choppers takes on a unique and challenging project that pays tribute to the Space Shuttle program.

The episode kicks off with a meeting between Paul Sr. and his team where they discuss the details of the project. They reveal that they'll be building a custom bike that includes elements inspired by NASA and the Space Shuttle. The bike is being commissioned by the Houston Johnson Space Center and will be unveiled at the Johnson Space Center in Texas.

With the parameters set, the crew gets to work designing and fabricating the one-of-a-kind motorcycle. They start by disassembling an old bike and begin fabricating new pieces that will fit the space theme. Paul Sr. explains that the bike will feature elements such as rocket fins, flame deflectors, and a custom paint job that is meant to mimic the appearance of the Space Shuttle.

As they work on the project, the guys run into a few technical challenges. One of the main issues they face is how to integrate a digital screen into the bike's design. They want the screen to display images and video footage related to the Space Shuttle program, but they're not sure how to make it work within the bike's structure.

As they tackle these challenges, tension between Paul Sr. and Junior continues to brew. Paul Sr. seems frustrated with Junior's lack of involvement in the project and is growing increasingly distant from his son. Junior, for his part, seems content to stay out of the project and focus on his own work.

Despite the drama, the crew manages to make significant progress on the bike. They finish welding the rocket fins into place and begin working on the custom paint job. The design includes a sweeping image of the Earth, meant to represent the unique perspective that only astronauts get to experience.

As the episode draws to a close, the team is getting ready to transport the bike to the Johnson Space Center for its unveiling. They load it onto a custom trailer and hit the road, with Paul Sr. leading the way in his truck.

Overall, American Chopper season 3 episode 14 offers an inside look at the process of building a custom motorcycle from scratch. The Space Shuttle theme adds an extra layer of complexity, but the crew rises to the challenge and produces a truly unique piece of art. Along the way, we get to see the dynamics between the crew members - both in terms of their working relationships and their personal lives. It's a fascinating glimpse into the world of custom motorcycle fabrication and a must-watch for fans of the show.