Found Mag-Lite 4D, what to do with it?

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I just rediscovered a 4D Mag-Lite that I bought probably in the late eighties. It is in original state and in good, almost new condition.

Is there any simple and cheap mod to upgrade it to LED with way higher light output than with the original tungsten lamp, and to modern rechargeable batteries?

I don’t want to buy D size though … rather thinking of a bat pack consisting of a number of smaller Li-Ions that fits into the Mag-Lite’s bat compartment and includes at least basic protection.

Ideally I wouldn’t need a special charger for it … already have a SkyRC MC3000 and an older programmable charger that can charge up to 3 series-connected LiIons cells.

Or should I rather trash that huge outdated thing?

2

One of these is great for a basic LED upgrade:

https://asflashlights.com/led-upgrades-for-maglite/148-325-lumen-firefly-2-6-cell-led-conversion-for-maglite-luminus-sst40.html

You can run it on AA Eneloops in 3 AA to D Parallel (NOT Series) adapters that you can get for cheap off of ebay.

3

if you want to sell it, please let me know.

4

There is a saying in the stock market, don’t throw good money after bad. I would unload it and buy yourself a quality modern light like an Emisar.

5

You could just keep it as it is as a reference to the old days and to compare new lights with. I keep one out of nostalgia.

6

Speaking of Adventure Sports, Mat did a great video on Maglite upgrades.

.

And I've used this one with good results:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QZF7ZCP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

7

My modded Maglite from Matt puts out 4,000 lumens. Not too shabby. :smiley:

8

Also have one of those.

Upgrading some of the older and prettier incandescent Maglites can be well worth it. This one has the 2K lumens upgrade from Adventure Sports (with guppydrv software).

9

Drop-in Mag bulbs are the easiest way to “mod” one to an LED version.

I got a Trustfire drop-in that I have yet to force-fit into there. Replacing the crappy plastic-sheet front “glass” to real 3mm glass, but now clearance is an issue when screwing down the front bezel.

It’s doable and pretty easy as far as mag-mods, but be ready to go filing down a lot of things to fit right.

10

Okay, thanks a lot to you all!

I think I am going to sell the light.

I have a Ledwave X-55 with 5W LED running on 2 123A’s. To upgrade the Mag-Lite to something substantially brighter would cost more than I am willing to spend now. And also because the thing is so big and heavy.

Thanks again!

11

I’d sit it on a shelf to remind ya how far lights have came.

There are mods that do work but by the time you sink all the money in it you could have bought a better smaller light for cheaper. So unless you have some personal attachment to it IMHO modding it is just throwing money away.

12

They make great waterproof , impact resistant stash containers .
No one expects them to light up so …. as long as the weight feels right …

:wink:

13

I agree, probably worth $10 and the shipping will be $20. I would just hold on to it.