1927 Ford-Rob Postma

1927 Ford-Rob Postma



Rob Potsma
Rob Postma, Belleville Ont.

It is often thought that car guys have engine oil coursing through their veins and Rob Postma may very well be one of them.

Rob Postma, 46 years old, is a lifetime Quinte area resident who grew up working on cars with his Dad.

“We had to learn to fix them ourselves,” said Rob Postma. “We couldn’t afford to take them to a mechanic.”

Rob started to save for his first car, a 1969 Ford Mustang (302 cid 2-barrel carburetor ), working at the Ponderosa Steak House on North Front St., Belleville Ont. while going to Quinte Secondary School. The ‘Tang was purchased for $1600 and need extensive work on the body and frame rails. The high school’s auto teacher, Mr. Prescott, had it brought in to the shop and showed Rob how to do sheet metal work and weld on his prized possession.

Like many back-yard mechanics Rob has had his share of improvised repairs. His favourite car was a 1978 Ford LTD he purchased for $650. Before long he had to replace the oil pan (a common problem). Using a block & tackle he lifted the engine from a tree in his girlfriends parents front yard.

Rob has worn a few different hats in his life, he did a two-year stint in the Canadian Army at Camp Borden as a Vehicle Technician, currently drives a Ready-Mix truck for La Farge Cement, and is the go-to-guy for his brother Don Postma, for the Wheels-on-the-Bay Car Show in Trenton Ont. July 24-26, 2015.

Rob promises that the car show will be the go-to-event in Quinte this summer. Guest stars Steve Darnell and Jimmy Shine, live bands, over $5000 in cash and prizes as well as Rob’s favorite, the burn-out contest will please everybody.

photos and story by bill samuel