I bought metal legs for work benches, built the top using 2x4s and 3/4 plywood. I topped it with 3/8 in. steel plate a friend was going to scrap. You can beat on this all day and not hurt it.
Not a fan of Auto Zone. Working professionally on cars, and trucks,they could never deliver on time, and people that couldn't do their job. OReilly, delivered within 30 minutes when I ordered parts. I really like Federated auto parts.
I would try to contact Eveready, or maybe there is some type of museum for flashlights. Sounds stupid, but give it a try. There is a flashlight forum, one of them is candlepowerforums.com. Hope this might help. Keep us notified.
I used my winch, 2500# atv size. Some cable lube and the correct knot for the line. Hook the winch end to the line and re adjust as needed. I welded an A frame to hook my winch to because I had to pull mine up at the garage wall.