I am thinking of putting a rack on the top of my Blazer. What is the best way to mount it, also how could I put lights on it to where I could disconnect them to take the top off? Any ideas?

 

What are you driving? If it's the half-cab K5, then the easiest way to do the lights is by putting them on the metal part of the cab over the front seats, forward enough so they do not need to be removed when removing the top.

As far as the rack itself goes, the one that is on the top of my '74 is just 3/4" square tubing welded together with large (4"x4"x3/16") pads where the rack meets the top on the inside & outside. Don't plan on putting a lot of weight up there. I think GM stated max 250lbs or something like that on their factory racks which I believe is more driven by the center of gravity effects than it is from a structural strength stand-point. Still, if your top hasn't aged well (cracks in the rear corners, etc), you should keep the condition in mind before loading it too heavily.

 

I am looking to put two flood lights on the sides and rear to allow a 360 degree of lights for camping and such, I already have four KCs on the bumper. As for wieght I only plan on putting my tent and lawn chairs up there so the 250 pounds is well above what everything will weigh. I am mainly looking for lights in the rear for prelaunch/launching my boat on dark ramps. I like the "pads" idea for added streghth on the fiberglass. I have heard of people using a plug like what is on a trailer, it might be the best way to make it detachable. I have more research to do none the less. I already have the rack made it is 1" square tubing welded together it will be nice once I get done with the project

 

You could do a wiring pass-thru, just be sure to seal it up with RTV. Make the connection inside the truck near the bed rail either in back or up front.