My Trip to MIRROR GLAZE in Louisville, KY

David Fermani

David Fermani

Forza Auto Salon
I wanted to share with everyone a special trip I made to a local homegrown detailing shop called MIRROR GLAZE in Louisville, KY. That’s right, that name, eats, breaths and sleeps Meguiars and it should because the owner of this business Paul Knope has been an iconic piece of history to the Meguiars brand. I must say that it was a real honor and a pleasure to hang out with this industry legend and get his take on all things detailing. Mainly because he’s been successfully selling the Meguiars line since 1950 and boy does he have some stories to tell. I would like to add that Mirror Glaze doesn’t offer their products online, only through their storefront and after 60 years they have cemented themselves into the hearts of local detailers, car wash owners, dealerships and car care enthusiasts in their immediate area. Heck, I’m even told that the local PepBoys even refers people to their store!! Once in the store you will find just about anything Meguiars sells right down to their new MF buffing system as well as the rest of the product family.



Here are some of the shots I was able to take:



Outside of the store:



IMG_8973.jpg




IMG_8972.jpg




Inside the store:



IMG_8975.jpg




IMG_8974.jpg




IMG_8976.jpg




IMG_8977.jpg




Here’s the man behind the madness:



IMG_8979.jpg




IMG_8980.jpg




IMG_8978.jpg




His original store back in 1950:



IMG_8982.jpg




And here his 2nd store back in 1977:



IMG_8983.jpg




And here’s a shot of the current store back when he 1st relocated there in 1977:



IMG_8984.jpg




A drag car he sponsored back in the day:



IMG_8985.jpg


*M-G Distributors, Inc is a Distributor of Mirror Glaze which is a registered trademark of Meguiars, Inc., Newport Beach, CA*
 
That's a really cool story, David.... and talk about crazy vintage signage, I'd love to have a collection like that!



From the looks of it, did you finally break down and wash that Fusion? :lol:
 
I used to travel to Louisville a couple times a year in the 90's and would stay at a hotel near this place. I remember the first time I stumbled across it - I thought it was a mirage or something. I could not believe a place like that existed.... in Louisville of all places!



I distinctly remember buying some Meguiars Medallion there, and a few other things. I was not detailing much in those days but I'd always stop in and check out Mirror Glaze every time I was in town. Haven't been there since 1998 or so, but it looks exactly as I remember it.



Thanks for the report, David. Nice to see a true original detailing haven is still in business.
 
I'm wondering how far from Churchhill downs is it. I'm in Lexington every year for the Keenland Concours. Might have to make a trip.
 
CONCOURS.JOHN said:
I'm wondering how far from Churchhill downs is it. I'm in Lexington every year for the Keenland Concours. Might have to make a trip.
Click to expand...



It is just a few exits before Churchill Downs, actually. Coming down 264 it is the Preston hwy exit. Gps or mapquest it, easy to find though. It is right on the way.



Wonder if he has some #16 laying back in the warehouse....:spy::spy:
 
silk said:
It is just a few exits before Churchill Downs, actually. Coming down 264 it is the Preston hwy exit. Gps or mapquest it, easy to find though. It is right on the way.



Wonder if he has some #16 laying back in the warehouse....:spy::spy:
Click to expand...



Ditto that! I loved #16!
 
Been there many of times and have bought from Paul numerous times. Anyone coming to Louisville who wants to stop in there, shoot me a PM, I will show you how to get there, heck may stop in with you.
 
I have been and bought many things from this place as well. Guess I never realized how lucky I am to have a place like this 15 minutes away from me.
 
Hey David,

I grew up in Louisville and back in 1980 I got my first car, and I worked as a gopher after school for a construction company that had it's own paint shop close to Preston Highway. One of the guys showed me what #7 was and then either topped by 16 or 26. That stuff looked amazing on my monte carlo that had ss paint, I always got compliments on it... I was hooked from that point on and would always buy my stash from that place. I remember when they had the Carl Caspers Custom Auto Show, that place sold lots of #7! Glad they are still in business with internet sales and all...
 
Tom Weed said:
Hey David,

I grew up in Louisville and back in 1980 I got my first car, and I worked as a gopher after school for a construction company that had it's own paint shop close to Preston Highway. One of the guys showed me what #7 was and then either topped by 16 or 26. That stuff looked amazing on my monte carlo that had ss paint, I always got compliments on it... I was hooked from that point on and would always buy my stash from that place. I remember when they had the Carl Caspers Custom Auto Show, that place sold lots of #7! Glad they are still in business with internet sales and all...
Click to expand...





They still have the Carl Casper show every year. Back in Feb or March of this year, if i remember correctly.
 
I know this discussion is old, but I just joined the forum. I want to thank the OP for this. I have lived in Louisville all my life (62 years). I haven't been to Mirror Glaze for a while and it is nice to see the photos.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top