This is on behalf of a friend who knows I like tinkering with lights/ electronics etc… but apart from an old AAA Maglite I have not done an LED conversion of a Maglite D cell unit.
Yes, we all have seen threads here saying do not bother… cheaper ready made OEM LED lamps are available … so not really looking for a discussion or a ‘ have you searched the forum ‘ … yes I have briefly and not initially found anything much help.
So if you have used a drop in ‘LED’ bulb replacement for a 2D or 3D Maglite I am sure my friend ( Merf ) will appreciate it… I have sent him a link to this post… he may even sign up to the forum…
The ‘block’ I was referring to is the block/ unit in the Maglite, that you remove by first taking out the rubber switch cover, then sticking a Torx or small Allen key down, unscrew and then slide the assembly out from top, once lens / reflector unit is out.
Guessing if you made a replacement unit to replace that OEM switch / bulb / battery contact ‘block’ , you would have a good bit of volume to fill with electronics…
So, it is that ‘ block’ that i was referring to when someone mentioned a Drop In… I wondered if the drop in replaced that entire block
Here’s a one stop shop for all things Mag to LED conversion:
Formerly Adventure Sports Flashlights, the main man Matt is a highly experienced modder and reviewer that offers a complete line of parts. And a heck of a nice guy.
From drop in machined aluminum LED arrays (800-5000 lumen), liion battery conversion kits, battery spacers and body extension tubes his offerings run the gamut from mild to wild.
Many will argue for other lights, but i feel a great nostalgia for the classic MagLite form factor so worth it to me to upgrade. Matt’s products are superior quality.
The ‘block’ I was referring to is the block/ unit in the Maglite, that you remove by first taking out the rubber switch cover, then sticking a Torx or small Allen key down, unscrew and then slide the assembly out from top, once lens / reflector unit is out.
Oh the switch assembly, no, pretty much every drop in sold requires only bulb reflector removed, removing switch is more advanced mods that are not usually sold online to general public. those are usually either diy mods, or kits sold on forums such as this to forum members.