Rechargeable torch restored

[rossocorsa]

I took this apart years ago and as with many of my little projects never got around to actually fixing it, anyway I've got it going. A few questions remain but I'm pleased to have it looking alive, now I just need to get the Beta back together......hmm

https://photos.app.goo.gl/z9SMwijVTPkCRrLA6

[SanRemo78]

I have one of these too but the chrome cover is stuck solid. Was yours and what did you use to get it to slide?
Guy

[rossocorsa]

I have one of these too but the chrome cover is stuck solid. Was yours and what did you use to get it to slide?
Guy

The cover twists first then slides forward, it isn't anything fancy it just slides directly on the plastic body. There is an indentation in the metal that runs in a groove on the plastic body. Maybe it is out of alignment and needs persuasion?
I will post how to take it apart and change the batteries later when I have some time

[Nigel]

A connected question:

Is the power supply to the torch permanent or switched by the ignition?

N.

[rossocorsa]

A connected question:

Is the power supply to the torch permanent or switched by the ignition?

N.

I don't know TBH, my own car isn't in a fit state to test it out however I suspect it is ignition switched. I'll check what it says in the relevant handbook tomorrow.

[SanRemo78]

My torch has the cover slid right up to the end, not extended. I suspect it's suffered corrosion internally and is glued shut...

[rossocorsa]

My torch has the cover slid right up to the end, not extended. I suspect it's suffered corrosion internally and is glued shut...

I think that the sleeve is probably stainless steel, the little Lancia badge is just a thin sliver of metal glued to the plastic torch body maybe that has come loose and jammed between the sleeve and the plastic body? I'll post some pictures of one in pieces when I can.

[VXdeMayo]

A connected question:

Is the power supply to the torch permanent or switched by the ignition?

N.

I don't know TBH, my own car isn't in a fit state to test it out however I suspect it is ignition switched. I'll check what it says in the relevant handbook tomorrow.

Hello guys. Just checked Lulu this morning and yes it is a permanent live feed. However, currently showing 11.5V without key in barrel, same on position 2, and showing 13.5V without key car running.
Hope that helps.
(If you know of anyone who has a torch spare I’d love to have one to “complete things”.👍)

[rossocorsa]

Hello guys. Just checked Lulu this morning and yes it is a permanent live feed. However, currently showing 11.5V without key in barrel, same on position 2, and showing 13.5V without key car running.
Hope that helps.
(If you know of anyone who has a torch spare I’d love to have one to “complete things”.👍)

In some ways this makes sense, the torch draws a tiny current and trickle charges. The original set up has two NiCad batteries approx 1.2v each wired in series with a resistor and a diode. I think it is safe to say that you won't find  a torch with batteries that are still good but you just might get a glimmer of light out of them for a second or so. In any case from flat they would take a good few hours to charge up the trickle charge being more of a maintenance charge.

[Nigel]

Mine has been under a car cover since the rain came yesterday.
Your help has provided me with a solution to the absence of an auxiliary ignition
position to charge my phone when everything is off.

Thanks Chas and Alan, great help as always.

N.

[SanRemo78]

I think Mirco Andries in Italy has a couple of torches available? Find him on Facebook, I've dealt with him without any issues.
Guy

[Ferrit]

Mine has been under a car cover since the rain came yesterday.
Your help has provided me with a solution to the absence of an auxiliary ignition
position to charge my phone when everything is off.

Thanks Chas and Alan, great help as always.

N.

What a brilliant idea.  Where is this port?  It it the one in the middle of the passenger under dash plastic?

I never knew a Lancia torch was even a thing

[SanRemo78]

Depends on the Series - later cars is where you have spotted it, earlier cars on the passenger side above the pocket in the footwell.

[rossocorsa]

There were allegedly other accessories that fitted it particularly in the 1960s as other Lancias had the same socket format. It was some sort of early standard but I can't remember what it was called. I haven't forgotten about photos, I have another one to restore that's a friend's so I'll probably go through the whole process on that one.
They were only fitted to early cars, series 1 berlinas and coupés, they were deleted at some point and I have brochures that mention the torch and ones that don't.

[Nigel]

I have since found that my low voltage circuit (which affected the wipers)
is also affecting the feed to the power socket. It tested at around 10.2v.
Whilst that may be sufficient, I'm going to bring a new power supply into
the cabin for my phone charger.

N.

[VXdeMayo]

Hello guys. Just managed to locate and receive a decent condition torch from Germany. Cover slides as intended, but lacks a bulb. What voltage bulb do I need please?

[rossocorsa]

Hello guys. Just managed to locate and receive a decent condition torch from Germany. Cover slides as intended, but lacks a bulb. What voltage bulb do I need please?

2.2v I think but they are an odd difficult to find format. Have you tried to see if it retains any charge yet? It will probably need new batteries they are unlikely to be any good after 50 years. If you get stuck I can send you a bulb.

[VXdeMayo]

Put it on charge in the car tonight. I will put a meter across the terminals tomorrow. Thanks.👍