Did Trak Auto carry Lee oil filters back in the 80s/early 90s?
Lee Filters
- Thread starter Ifleet
- Start date
According to Champion Laboratories website, they purchased Lee filters in 1983. The filter pictured above is a product of Champion Labs. It looks like Champion Labs discontinued the Lee name to focus on their STP filter line.
I remember Lee filters from my early days of driving but I don't recall ever using them. I remember hearing horror stories about them coming apart and doing engine damage. Can't say whether the stories were true or not. Back in the '70's and early 80's I usually used Fram or Purolator filters.
I too read that in the Champ Labs time line. Interestingly, the Champ Labs STP line sold exclusively at AZ no longer made by them. Champ only had the lowest tier OF there, but now those have been off shored to some other manufacturer. That is all AZs locally and noting anecdotes the sub forum. Seems AZ owns the rights to the STP name now.
As for the "horror stories" about Lee filters, I never heard those. Admittedly, never cut one open either. That said, reads like the tales about Quaker State oil causing sludge, imo.
Uses to see them at Kings Department Store in Goldsboro, NC in the early/mid 1970's.
Lee Oil Filter Commercial - 1983
Lee Oil Filter Commercial - 1983
Bought them at Scherba’s auto store in the area. Never cut an oil filter then, why would anyone do that? Everything made in USA and you figured it was good and made with some honesty.
They still sell Thrifty ice cream at the Riteaid. Surprised when I saw it, talk about something lasting through decades. In containers or by the cone.
They still sell Thrifty ice cream at the Riteaid. Surprised when I saw it, talk about something lasting through decades. In containers or by the cone.
Yep, used to see them at the local Barker's.
I used to buy them in the early 1980's for my 1974 Ford Pinto station wagon (2.3), Later on for my 1971 Chevy Impala and 1973 Chevy Malibu Wagon....They were decent filters the old National Auto I used to pick them up for a song when they were on sale..Used those 3 cars when I was in college and delivered pizzas.. I used to like how they were packaged. Nichols Discount City & Zayres also had them but, no one could beat National Auto for their specials.
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You old timers seem to remember 1986 as adults. I was in the awkward in middle school stage back then...dreaming of rock stardom and how I might get there if I used enough hairspray!
I wasn't driving yet so I never noticed Lee filters...
I wasn't driving yet so I never noticed Lee filters...
Sounds like you probably did notice David Lee Roth.
He was one of my heroes...Sounds like you probably did notice David Lee Roth.
AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2024
Got any left? I’d love one for my collection.
I remember a Consumer Reports oil filter test from the late 80's or early 90's. First place was Fram and second place was Lee! I never used Lee but remember them. Back then all I used was Fram or Purolator, they were not cheap and I rarely saw them on sale.
It was 17 in 1986. I got my license immediately after turning 16. I did all my own repairs even back then. I always used Fram filters. I bought Lee filters a time or 2 when my fram # was sold out. Always ran Valvoline 10w-40 back then. The 20r in my 1978 toyota I had lost a few cam lobes back then with that oil.
I remember seeing those around. Back in ‘86 (because according to someone, I’m an “old-timer” 
), I’d buy whatever was cheapest for my 81 Mustang with the 200 straight 6.
I’ve probably run one of these in the FL-1A equivalent. I can also remember using Target labeled oil filters, Champion Auto Store branded ones (different than Champ Labs, I believe), Motorcraft if I splurged. Back then I couldn’t see spending big money ($5 or $6) on a filter when the buck and a half did as good a job.
It’s a little different now as you would figure…
), I’d buy whatever was cheapest for my 81 Mustang with the 200 straight 6.I’ve probably run one of these in the FL-1A equivalent. I can also remember using Target labeled oil filters, Champion Auto Store branded ones (different than Champ Labs, I believe), Motorcraft if I splurged. Back then I couldn’t see spending big money ($5 or $6) on a filter when the buck and a half did as good a job.
It’s a little different now as you would figure…
I still have 1 of the lee filters sealed, shoot me your info in a message and I'll mail it to you.
Back in ‘86 (because according to someone, I’m an “old-timer”
I can also remember using Target labeled oil filter
In 1986 I was 27 years old. The filters that I remember being Target exclusives were Car & Driver filters. I've still got a bunch of those for my Ford Escorts that I bought years ago when Target quit selling filters. I bought them on clearance for $ .40 each.
Blast from the past! I remember using Lee filters from time to time in the '80s (both the standard Lee and Lee Maxi oil filters as well as the air filters with the foam wrap) for various applications and never had a problem.
Sears filters (standard and Double Trapper oil filters) seemed to be decent as well (used occasionally and never had a problem). The air filters that they sold seemed to be of very good quality. I read somewhere that Wix made Sears filters back then but I am not sure if that is true.
Andrew S.
Sears filters (standard and Double Trapper oil filters) seemed to be decent as well (used occasionally and never had a problem). The air filters that they sold seemed to be of very good quality. I read somewhere that Wix made Sears filters back then but I am not sure if that is true.
Andrew S.
Some of the Target stores in the mid 90's carried Lee oil filters, at least in FL. I remember buying a few of them. They also at that time carried Valvoline white bottle conv. oil.
