I want to share an important update on my partner, Chester Greenhalgh, the author of the legendary, “How to Build a T-Bucket …” as well as the “Hot Rod or Rat Rod Truck” ebooks we market through our websites.
The “drug wars” that killed 27,000 people in Mexico last year have impacted Chester greatly. You see, a decade ago Chester married a beautiful Mexican woman and moved to a remote Mexican village for a semi-retirement of building hot rods and enjoying a peaceful life where the low cost of living could be supported with equally low retirement funds.
However, the drug wars of the past few years have changed that. While the violence was initially concentrated in large cities and near the border, it has spread to the more remote regions. After the discovery of a mass of bodies outside his remote village late last year, Chester and his wife decided the safest thing to do was to come back to the U.S. to stay with relatives until things quieted down. It was meant to be for just a few weeks, but is now going on almost a year.
Of course, Chester isn’t involved in the drug trade. But, he’s the only “gringo” living in a remote area that’s become even more impoverished as a result of all the violence. Armed robberies are an everyday occurrence and more often than not leave the victims dead. Because he’s a gringo, Chester is perceived to have a lot of money and, therefore, he is a highly visible tall, lanky target. That’s why he decided to head north of the border until things calmed down.
Last week, though, Chester got word that his home in Mexico had been broken into and burglars stole his tools. Then, he learned some windows in his home had been broken. To protect his remaining property from thieves Chester decided to go back to Mexico to assess the damage and try to get things properly secured, if that’s possible. I don’t have to tell you how risky this is and I hope you share my thoughts and prayers that Chester will be able to get things done quickly and safely.
After reading this update, I hope you’ll take a moment to add a comment with your words of support and encouragement for Chester. If you’re one of the many who have already purchased both of Chester’s eBooks, now would be a great time to recommend them to a friend. It’s going to take a lot for Chester to be able to replace the tools that were stolen and as a hot rodder you know how devastating that can be. If you’re a new visitor or haven’t yet had the true pleasure of experiencing Chester’s incredibly informative and entertaining “how to’s” on hot rod building, this is the perfect time to do so.
As a reminder, here are the links to purchase Chester’s eBooks. I know Chester will very much appreciate your support:
- How to Build a T-Bucket Hot Rod Roadster for Under $3000: kickin’ it old skool
- Hot Rod or Rat Rod: How to Mount an Antique Pickup Body on a Late Model Pickup Frame for Under $3000
Most of all, I hope you’ll please take a moment to leave a comment below with some encouragement or thanks for Chester in this trying time.
TBucketPlans.com originated in 2005 as a personal blog extolling the virtues of T-Buckets. In 2009 I blogged about Chester Greenhalgh, the "how to" genius who wrote the legendary, out-of-print “How to Build a T-Bucket Roadster for Under $3000”. That led to a friendship with Chester and our partnership in marketing the updated eBook version of his T-Bucket building bible. The T-Bucket fire burns stronger and stronger.
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35 Mike
Hi Mike and thanks. I’m in Dallas and I haven’t stopped working and writing. I’m currently working out of a small one car residentual garage that, of course is 1/2 storage for the family, with a limited amount of tools. So I wrote a book on something else I’m good at. Rebuilding and creating projects with lawn mower engines. John has the finished book and should have it available anytime now. Also we’re working on presenting the ‘Creation of the Apache’ How to build a radical 50s style custom for under $5000, The book is 75% finished but can’t be completed until I return to Mexico where the truck is, but what I have would be incredibly useful to those interested. You can contact me on my Email through John.
I didn’t waste my time in Dallas. Working out of doors and with limited tools I built the most beautiful car I’ve ever built in my life using the most hated car produced for a donor. I built a 3 window coupe out of a PT Cruiser! It looks like something that stepped out of the 30s but when you get into it you find all the modern comforts and safety features. The most important thing I accomplished was building it without changing anything mechanical so anyone, regardless of mechanical aptitude can build a neat Hot Rod to drive everyday. It hasn’t been received like I imagined because the PT Cruiser has such a bad name. Oh well, I enjoyed building it anyway and will always remember it. I only spent $1640 all told including the donor car and mig welder.
Chester, Quite a dilemma- serious. Not sure where you’ll land in the US, however when you get back contact me. Seems a few of us could do a ‘barn-raising’ and get you a shop set up. Not too tough if enough show up -period. God will watch over you Dude. 35Mike
I’m still here in Dallas. Only recently a friend of mine down there was kidnapped and held for $400,000 ransom. The soldiers (our benifactors) found them and rescued the hostage, killing the 3 cartel members that were holding him. Perhaps in a gunfight, or perhaps something else. In my opinion terrorists like this should be executed on the spot, not sent to a prison for a reunion with their friends and wait for a dishonest guard to allow them to escape. My wife says I got a big mouth and will get myself in a lot of trouble someday. Guess that’s so. Whats your opinion?
I’m still here in Dallas. Only recently a friend of mine down there was kidnapped and held for $400,000 ransom. The soldiers (our benifactors) found them and rescued the hostage, killing the 3 cartel members that were holding him. Perhaps in a gunfight, or perhaps something else. In my opinion terrorists like this should be executed on the spot, not sent to a prison for a reunion with their friends and wait for a dishonest guard to allow them to escape. My wife says I got a big mouth and will get myself in a lot of trouble someday. Guess that’s so. Whats your opinion?
Thanks Dave, you’re 100% right. In 1965 after serving 3 years in the Vietnam war I applied for citizenship in Australia, only to find out in the paperwork that upon arrival I was subject to draft in the Australian army. That stopped me otherwise I might be among my friends in Adelaide, Australia and God only knows what I would have wrote about!…….Chester
Thanks Dave, you’re 100% right. In 1965 after serving 3 years in the Vietnam war I applied for citizenship in Australia, only to find out in the paperwork that upon arrival I was subject to draft in the Australian army. That stopped me otherwise I might be among my friends in Adelaide, Australia and God only knows what I would have wrote about!…….Chester
Great to hear guys – Stay safe that’s the main thing think of your kids – 🙂
Dave – Adelaide Australia
Thanks everyone for your positive thoughts for Chester in this situation. I wanted to let you know that he has returned safely. Here’s what he had to say:
“Well we made it back in one piece. It is much more peacful down
there with the new police force in charge. We’re going to stay in
(the U.S.) to help with the grandkids for a while longer. There is a group
of robbers there targeting unoccupied houses. If we get hit again
after all my work on the house we’ll have to return and stay there. I
welded diamond plate over the windows and doors and installed stronger
double locks. I also welded all the doors shut except the front
door.Perhaps they’ll pick an easier target next time.”
Hi Chester, wishing you all the safety possible, sorry to hear about what it going on in your life it’s hard to imagine losing all my tools etc it would be enough to kill for. Remember to keep no 1 safe first hey – Love your work thinking of you –
From your mates in Adelaide Australia.
Dear Chester I know that occurred you I´m a victim to this war and in your momment I decide leave all my garage with tools and everything with the thought that only are material things but the security is more important that this material things.
Now I’m in another city no work no money but alive that is important friend.
You can go to the U.S.A that is a country more safe while I not can so I think that you should leave all and going to U.S.A.
Every person try in your brain the capacity to beguin one and another time with God help
So my friend I hope that your desition be the correct.
Mike.
Chester, there’s nothing you own that’s worth your life. Please get out of there and be safe. After the first I’ll be buying the pickup book (I already have the “T” book).
You’re someone this lowbuck bum looks up to,
Rich
Best of luck, Chester!
Hopefully you can still get some important things secured.
Most importantly… be safe!
Joe