Glovebox Flashlight

[Cmcgettrick]

I have been thinking about converting my flashlight to LED. I am struggling to separate the flashlight from the holder/charger. Does anyone have any ideas on how to separate these two pieces without damaging them?

[shogun]

Just pull and wiggle, probably oxidized pins.
To separate the flashlight, just split it in the middle, I once made a modification many years ago when mobile telephones were up to date, no smartphones yet, scroll down here ttp://bmwe32.masscom.net/johan/tips_tricks/tips_tricks.html
here more about disassembling http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/Torch/Index.htm
https://www.evansweb.info/2003/01/20...-modification/

[DesktopDave]

Like Shogun says, pull and wiggle until it pops out. I've had that work about half the time, but the rest never came apart. I've tried penetrant, alcohol and distilled water, none were remotely successful. I'm told that a totally discharged NiCd will vent water vapor, so I suspect it's just galvanic corrosion. Now that you've got me thinking about it, I'd suspect a few hours in a warm & dilute acid bath like vinegar or an organic chealtor like diluted Metal Rescue/EvapoRust might do the trick.

I'd be tempted to use very gentle heat, like about 150degF (65degC), but I'm not sure about how badly it would age the plastics. Also, neither NiMH nor Ni-Cd secondary cells are very happy about being warmed up.

[Cmcgettrick]

Thanks guys. I’ve been trying the wiggle and pull method for the last two days and I’m not sure I’ve made much progress. I really don’t want to damage the base so I’ve avoided using penetrants. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the holder/charger for sale which is why I’m trying to be careful with it. I really want to try the vinegar but just can’t bring myself to do it yet. Thanks again for the suggestions.

[Shipper]

I had mine converted to LED and battery power. Works a treat!

[dlvad]

White vinegar works great.
Place entire assembly in a receptacle tall enough that it will not tip over then immerse the torch lens end up & black charge port end down so that the vinegar level covers the charge port only.
Let soak for several hours if needed. Makes cleaning the male/female contacts a breeze.
Ive rescued several of these Acculux torches both white & black version that BMW used. LED conversion & battery replacement is straightforward as well.

[DesktopDave]

I'd use red wine vinegar. Works just as well, plus it gives your car that fresh salad smell.

;-)

[Cmcgettrick]

This is perfect. I will give it a shot this weekend and report back. Divad - you don’t have a write up on the conversion do you?
Thanks again!

[Cmcgettrick]

Just a quick update…I’ve had this thing sitting in vinegar off and on for the past couple of days and I’m still struggling to get it apart. It’s definitely working as the vinegar is turning blue but I still can’t get it apart. I’m going to put it back in now and let it sit there until I go to bed. I’m going to keep trying.

[RSheiman]

Swap out the vinegar, bring in some new H+

[dlvad]

Soaking in White Vinegar could take several days, Ive no experience using H2o2 or Red Wine Vinegar...

Here's a link to the Torch Mod's, https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/b...m-cell.704409/

[JimPA]

[QUOTE=dlvad;30850484]Soaking in White Vinegar could take several days

+1 Patience is sometimes necessary with white vinegar