A customized motorcycle built on the Discovery Channel hit program, American Chopper will be on display April 11 at the Airgas South store at 700 Manufacturers Road.
The red, white and blue chopper was commissioned by Miller Electric to celebrate its 75th anniversary, according to Airgas district manager John Roe.
Airgas is the largest welding supply company in the country and the nation’s largest distributor for Miller Electric, Mr. Roe said. Airgas also distributes industrial, medical and specialty gases and ranks as the second largest safety product supplier in the U.S.
The Miller chopper 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 multi-process inverter ready to strike an arc.
The “theme” chopper has a 145-horse power engine, weighs 700 pounds and is 14-feet in length with the trailer. Paul Sr., Paul Jr. and Mikey, the Teutul family members featured on American Chopper, took three weeks to build the bike in their Orange County, NY shop, Orange County Choppers.
“Many people saw the bike being built on TV,” Mr. Roe said. “We wanted to give them and other chopper enthusiasts the opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind vehicle up close. We hope folks will turn out on April 11 and help us mark Miller’s 75th anniversary and visit our Manufacturers Road store.”
Airgas purchased the BOC Group holdings on August 1 of last year. The distribution and sales company has a facility at 4551 North Access Road, with retail stores located at 3025 Overlook Drive NE in Cleveland, Tn., 201 East Long St. in Dalton, Ga., as well as the Manufacturers Road location in Chattanooga.
The Miller chopper exhibit will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hotdogs will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. There is no admission charge for the event.