Hello folks!
I’m looking for a torch very similar to the old Rub-R-Lite, any ideas?
(Or other new “WWII-era” 2-3 D-cell “plastic” or rubberised lamp.)
I used to have a torch exactly like that, back in the 70’s maybe early 80’s in the U.K. , had completely forgotten about it. You could flap back the rubber all the way around the lens it was so flexible, but the buttons were still very hard to push.
I’ve found the Eveready rubberised “version” and other 70- 80-ies lights, but none in current production.
My first “mod” ever was fitting a fat-base Maglite LED bulb into a rubberised Taskforce™ 2×AA light with a PR2 hotwire bulb.
Toss the cap that holds the PR2, gently shave the hole in the reflector til the Mag bulb snugly press-fits into it.
The tube of that light looked thick enough to take C cells, but nope, internal ribs only fit AAs. Still, the thicker tube and nice thick rubber coating all over made it feel indestructible. 
Are you looking for a rubber flashlight for functional use, or an actual vintage light?
Grainger sells a rubber body LED light…
… But it’s a 3x AAA, isn’t very bright, and has a horrible beam pattern.
New but looking as close to the vintage light as possible. 
No one with any ideas?
Did you check out the Grainger light mentioned above? If you don’t mind modding it, it’d likely fit a Li cell and you can add a ballast resistor or preferably linear driver to regulate output nicely w/o cooking the LED (or melting the rubber ).
Othernat, seems we’re all outta ideas.
There’s always this guy…
https://www.flexsealsale.com/FLXSL/13.0000/Index.dtm?mid=9481714&otsid=6888
Partly kidding but with the right prep any light you’re fond of might be “grippier” I just don’t know how it holds up with heat.
You might have to do layers of something else underneath. I’m thinking something like automotive undercoating because it dries harder. I don’t think soft rubber spray is going to live long enough on its own.
I found this: Vintage 1958 Rubber Flashlight
Looks like what you’re looking for. Just a more utilitarian look, possibly due to original retailer/distributor preference. IMO, it’s probably the original look, and what you’ve shown was intended to be more consumer friendly and/or an updated look. It’s about $30 to the US, but mostly due to shipping from The Netherlands.
Hi!
I’m looking for a new light, not a “vintage” (a mess keeping BLF and CPF apart) .
Found this, but the seller/company isn’t replying to emails.
