My Trip to MIRROR GLAZE in Louisville, KY

[David Fermani]

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:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8973.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8972.jpg



Inside the store:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8975.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8974.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8976.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8977.jpg



Here’s the man behind the madness:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8979.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8980.jpg



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8978.jpg



His original store back in 1950:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8982.jpg



And here his 2nd store back in 1977:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8983.jpg



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



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8984.jpg



A drag car he sponsored back in the day:



http://i485.photobucket.com/albums/rr214/PolyProDetail/IMG_8985.jpg

*M-G Distributors, Inc is a Distributor of Mirror Glaze which is a registered trademark of Meguiars, Inc., Newport Beach, CA*

[C. Charles Hahn]

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:

[imported_BretFraz]

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.

[tonipieleanu]

Great shop! I would love to have one of those even in the somewhere my country!

[silkstone]

Thanks for the story and write up. When I first go into detailing, Mirror Glaze here in Louisville was my supplier.

[gmblack3]

Very cool report David!

[Paul Sparks]

What a unique store.I`m suprised Meguiars never expanded on the storefront idea.Thanks for sharing David.

[Concours.John]

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.

[RaskyR1]

Very cool David! Thanks for sharing man...hope all is well. :)

[Dan]

Very cool, need to add this to my autopian destinations thread!

[imported_RZJZA80]

I`m pretty sure I would bust if I walked into a store and saw all that good stuff...not to mention max out at least one credit card.

[silkstone]

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.



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:

[DaGonz]

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:



Ditto that! I loved #16!

[SpoolinNoMore]

I stayed in Louisville a couple months ago while driving to AR, wish I would have known about this store back then!

[imported_Bert]

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.